Despite a drenching rain Markos Geneti made history by finishing the L.A. Marathon in 2:06:35, despite, according to the L.A. Times at least, having never run a marathon before nor training to run in rain.
Geneti, who won $125,000.00, a 2011 Honda Insight for his efforts, finished almost three minutes ahead of Kenyan Nicolas Kamakya who ran the race in 2::08:16.
Geneti’s fellow country woman, Ethiopia’s Deba Buzunesh won the women’s competition by completing the 26 plus mile course in 2:26:34 beating the second place runner, Amy Hastings who took about half a minute more to complete the course which stretched from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier.
Amongst the hundreds of westsiders cheering on the athletes was our own Rob MacArthur who snapped this photo from San Vicente and Bundy Blvds.
We wish all of the marathoners and those who cheered them a warmth bath, hot chocolate and the even warmer knowledge of a job well done.
Congratulations to all participants and those who cheered them for showing the world that Angelenos and our guests can survive a few sprinkles — even those like today which are expected to dump inches on our fair city.
