Olympics 2008 (Men)

Post-Race Review/ Results

Marting Lel was fifth at the Beijing Olympics. However by virtue of two of his marathon victories over the past year he won the World Marathon Major Series and collected his prize of half a million dollars.

Lel wins second World Marathon Major series

Dathan Ritzenhein finished the 2008 Olympic marathon in 2 hours 11 minutes and 59 seconds for ninth place overall and the top American. He was one spot ahead of famed Olympic Trials runner Ryan Hall.  He said that cramps and tight hamstrings caused him to stop in the later half of the race near the 30K mark.

Ritz: 9th at Olympics

Human Interest Story

Ryan Hall, was in Beijing, China, to compete in his first Olympic games, the town of Big Bear was gathered at the Big Bear Convention Center to watch.  The weather was hot and muggy—in China and Big Bear. The temperatures were in the mid 80s as the marathoners finished the race. Hall finished tenth with a time of 2:12:33.

Big Bear Valley watches the marathon in unison

Ireland's Martin Fagan’s Olympic dream came to an end when his achilles tendon flared up causing him to drop out about eight miles from the finish.  At the start  Fagan could be clearly seen as the lead group set a blistering pace.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results