(Correction and Updates) O'Neil first man, Foster first woman at Amica Marathon
7:17 PM Mon, Oct 19, 2009 | Permalink
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Projo Running BlogProvidence Journal sports writer Carolyn Thornton blogs the Rhode Island running scene. |
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Enduring some nasty weather conditions and outdistancing a field of 463 runners, 39-year-old Keven O'Neil of North Kingstown and 22-year-old Elizabeth Foster of Ellington, Conn. took top honors at Sunday's Amica Marathon in Newport. (Note: We originally reported that second-place finisher Monique Wolanin was the women's winner based upon results provided by the race. According to event organizers, Foster's name was not included in that initial set of results because of a problem with the finish line system.) O'Neil, a well-respected high school running coach in R.I., downplayed his win, which was clocked in 2:42:50, insisting that runner-up Scott Bessette, who is training for a marathon in California in December, "was the best marathoner out there. He just did it as a workout and he almost kicked my butt." (Note: We originally reported that second-place finisher Monique Wolanin was the women's winner based upon results provided by the race. According to event organizers, Foster's name was not included in that initial set of results because of a problem with the finish line system.) Still, it was a nice return to the medals podium for O'Neil, who hadn't run a marathon since finishing as the top Rhode Islander and second overall at this race in 2007 (2:30:33) and has been trying to regain his mental edge after suffering a collapsed lung.
"I was shooting for a much faster time, but I was by myself for the whole race," O'Neil said while recovering in the warmth of his home on Sunday night. "I struggled the last 5 miles. I followed the lead motorcycle, and he took me the wrong way at the 26-mile mark. So I did about 2 and 1/2 minutes over the distance. "I just felt like adding on a little because it was such a beautiful day," he quipped. Meanwhile, Foster posted a 20-minute margin of victory en route to taking the women's title, finishing fifth overall in 3:03:48. According to the University of Hartford Athletics web site, Foster wrapped up a successful track and cross-country career there last June and is now serving as a part-time assistant coach for the Hawks' running programs while she pursues her Doctorate in physical therapy. Top marathon finishers are below: TOP 10 MEN TOP 10 WOMEN 
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This was one of the worst run races I have ever been apart of. You would think that with freezing rain the the forecast, Amica would do everything it could to make sure the runners where taken care of. The total lack of organtization was a joke. The lack of buses was even funnier.
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This was one of the worst run races I have ever been apart of. You would think that with freezing rain the the forecast, Amica would do everything it could to make sure the runners where taken care of. The total lack of organtization was a joke. The lack of buses was even funnier.
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Elizabeth Foster of Ellington, Connecticut won the race out of the women.... check out the race results.
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The course was really poorly marked. I know it was a tough day to be out on the road, but you would have thought that they would have beefed up the cones and such because of it.
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I just wanted to say that I was highly impressed with the dedication of all the race organizers and volunteers who were far colder than those of us running; they were helpful, pleasant and uncomplaining throughout. Organizing a race like this is no small task; the weather couldn't be helped. But tough runners just do it and don't complain.
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I just wanted to say that I was highly impressed with the dedication of all the race organizers and volunteers who were far colder than those of us running; they were helpful, pleasant and uncomplaining throughout. Organizing a race like this is no small task; the weather couldn't be helped. But tough runners just do it and don't complain.
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I just wanted to say that I was highly impressed with the dedication of all the race organizers and volunteers who were far colder than those of us running; they were helpful, pleasant and uncomplaining throughout. Organizing a race like this is no small task; the weather couldn't be helped. But tough runners just do it and don't complain.
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Yes Elizabeth Foster did win the race.
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