Running: New records set at Chicago Marathon

Monday, October 10, 2005 - 05:11 PM

Lost in all the hoopla over the elite male and female finishes was a new American record for Master's marathon running...Collen DeReuck..

The former South African, now resident in Boulder, CO, forged around the course in 2:28:40, pruning just under four minutes from the previous mark, set by Jenny Spangler on this course in 2003.

DeReuck has set countless masters' records since entering the over 40 ranks, though ironically stats are not something to which she pays much attention. She can't recall how many sub-2:30 marathons she's run - which means it's a lot.

One stat distinctly in DeReuck's mind, though, was the global over-40 mark of 2:26:51, set by Priscilla Welch of Great Britain in 1987.

"That was in the back of my mind at the start," revealed DeReuck. "But, by half way, I was thinking of the US record."

Which is not to say that the latter was easy. "As usual, the marathon is long, it's hard and it's far," she commented. "I much prefer the shorter distances."

For her accomplishment, DeReuck won $2500 for first over 40, $25,000 for fourth overall and $9000 for finishing as second American.