Violetta Kryza of Poland successfully defended her title to win the 18th UPMC Pittsburgh Marathon in 2:31:45, the fastest winning time by a woman since 1990 and a personal best for Kryza.  In the men's race, Kenyan Reuben Chesang crossed the finish line in a personal best 2:14:53, three seconds ahead of compatriot Eliud Kering.  The race was a close one until, with 250 meters to go, Kering, who had been leading, overshot the turn into the tunnel which leads into Heinz Field and fell behind.  The error was enough to ensure that Chesang who is a former 1500m Commonwealth Games gold medalist could not be caught.  In the wheelchair division, Ernst Van Dyk was victorious, following up on his Boston Marathon victory of three weeks ago.

KRYZA AND CHESANG WIN UPMC Health System/City of Pittsburgh Marathon
           Kryza Defends 2001 Title and Sets Personal Best;
                Van Dyk sets Wheelchair Course Record