The Marathon Is Turning Out To Be Sprint Events For These Fellas

There's been no shortage of dramatic marathon finishes. Remember Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley's Duel In The Sun in the 1982 Boston? Then there was German Silva who veered off course in the final half mile but somehow had the kick to rope in his fellow countryman Benjamin Parades in 1995's New York City Marathon? Not enough drama? How about Robert Cheruiyot's sprint and stumble combo in the 2006 Chicago? The 2005 NYCM had another "incident" involving Paul Tergat and Hendrik Ramaala's who battled neck to neck in the climb towards to the finish at the Tavern On The Green.





Yesterday's Chicago Marathon presented yet another episode when Patrick Ivuti of Kenya edged Jaouad Gharib of Morocco at the finishing tape after the two had staged an all-out sprint over the final 400 meters. Ivuti won in 2:11:11.00 to Gharib’s 2:11:11.05. Take a look at the photo below and see how close the 2 were. They might as well hold hands and cross the line together.





I wonder what went through the minds of these machines as they head toward the finish line. Let me hasten a few guesses:




- "Where the did he come from?!"


- "Oh no, you're not getting away with that. I didn't hustle my @ss over 42K to get beat by you!"


- "C'mon, let's give 'em a photo finish!"