Monday, 8 October 2007

Fearnley takes another title

Australian wheelchair athlete Kurt Fearnley has won the 2007 La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon in a course record time despite stifling conditions.

With temperatures peaking in the mid-thirties, Fearnley edged out South African rival Krige Schabort in a time of 1 hour 28 minutes and 6 seconds. It was Fearnley's ninth marathon win in 2007, and his third major US marathon win in the last twelve months.

Fearnley said "That was a tough push. I've just come from the UK where we lucky to see double-digit highs, so to race in the mid-thirties was a shock to the system. I'm really happy with the time though, and it's great to push a good race leading into New York."

Fearnley now heads home to Australia to finalise his preparation for his season-ending race in the ING New York City Marathon. After winning the race for the first time in 2006, Fearnley is looking to finish his record-breaking year with a convincing title defence.

He said "I love everything about the New York race, the location, the crowds, the competition, they're all first class. I'm looking forward to defending my title and hopefully I can give the course record a nudge as well."