2009: Wanjiru Breaks Marathon Course Record

On a chilly but clear morning of near perfect running weather, reigning Olympic gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru broke the course record -- and set the fastest men's time ever on U.S. soil -- to take home first place in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:05:41.

In the women's race, Liliya Shobukhova, 32, of Russia, won her first major title, crossing the finish line at 2:25:55.

Wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley of Australia won his third straight Chicago title in 1:29:09, missing his own course record by 63 seconds.  For the women, Amanda McGrory broke the 17-year old wheelchair course record by nearly five minutes in a time of 1:39.56.

Wanjiru, 22, of Kenya, takes home $75,000 for the win, and $100,000 for breaking the course record.

The previous course record was 2:05:42, set by Khalid Khannouchi in 1999.

This is Wanjiru's fourth major title in five marathons.

Adderrahim Goumri of Morocco surged late to finish second. Vincent Kipruto was third and Charles Munyeki fourth. Goumri's time was 2:06.04, Kipruto 2:06:08 and Munyeki 2:07:07.

Full Coverage:  2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

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