Could Chicago Champ Liliya Shobukhova Be Marathonings Next Big Thing?
Shobukhova of Russia holds the European record for 5000 meters. In the final stages of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, she used her leg speed to break open a pack that included the race favorite, Irina Mikitenko of Germany, and win in 2:25:56 in what was just her second marathon. “In the end my speed was very helpful,” observed Shobukhova. The early pace had been slow by elite standards – a 1:15:03 at the halfway mark – and “when there was 3K to go I said, ‘This is my territory’…I saw earlier in the race that Mikitenko seemed to be having some difficulty. She was breathing a bit heavy. So, when we got near the end, I said, ‘It is my time to go, to do my best.’” Shobukova’s agent Andrey Baranova predicts “she will be the winner” in the marathon at the 2012 London Olympics. (photo of Liliya Shobukhova by Victah Sailer) More Despite a Sixth Place in 2:28:50, Kastor Feels Positive About Her Chicago Experience The American marathon record-holder and former Chicago Marathon
