2003 USA Women's Marathon Championships
St. Louis , MO, USA -- 05-April

**** For a race report, visit RRW sponsor Runnersworld.com ****

 

Heavy pre-race favorite Colleen De Reuck looked strong early on, taking control just before the five mile point, reaching the half in 1:14:42.


 

In her marathon debut, 24 year-old Sara Wells ran conservatively, with an Olympic Trials "A" qualifier in mind.


 

Casualties -- A calf injury forced Kelly Keane (l) out in the 17th mile, while a reported torn calf muscle took Jeanne Hennessy out in mile 20.


 

Weakened by hypothermia, disaster struck De Reuck in the 21st mile, with Wells finally narrowing the minute-and-a-half gap as they turned on to Wells Drive in mile 25.


   

All smiles. Wells wins her first US title, crossing the line in 2:35:37. De Reuck held on for second in 2:37:41.




Wells with third place finisher Kelly Flathers (2:40.55).