Kenyan Peter Omae Ayieni Wins OC Marathon; So Cal Runners Dominate Other Divisions

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. and COSTA MESA, Calif., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Omae Ayieni, a 33 year-old from Kenya, dominated the 2011 OC Marathon with a time of 2:22:44, finishing nearly 10 minutes ahead of runner-up Fernando Blanco of Vista (2:32:14) and third place finisher Manny Rodriguez of Whittier (2:32:15).  Southern California runners captured the remaining divisions in warm and windy Orange County conditions at the OC Fair and Event Center.  More than 15,000 runners registered for the Seventh Annual OC Marathon, half-marathon, 5K and Kids Run the OC.  Detailed race information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.

Maika Nelson-Carlsen (age 30, Brea) captured the women's OC Marathon in 3:00:54, also finishing nearly 10 minutes ahead of the second place runner, Maggie Nelson of Tulsa, OK (3:10:16).  Area runners also fared well in the OC half marathon with Eulogio Rodriguez (age 27, Whittier) winning the men's division in 1:09:07 while Elyse Shimada (age 23, Cypress) won the women's race with a time of 1:20:49.  Ramiro Santos of Orange won the men's 5K (16:39) while Jill Baker of Newport Beach took top honors in the women's 5K (17:30).

"It was a picture perfect morning for racing," said OC Marathon Race Director Gary Kutscher.  "The ocean was glistening and the runners had spectacular views of the coast and Catalina.  The feedback on our new course was universally positive, and participants appreciated the thousands of volunteers and spectators as well as the many water stations on the course."

Nearly 3000 school children and 57 schools participated in the OC Marathon's "Kids Run the OC" program, up from 2000 kids and 40 schools last year.  The program encourages a healthy, active lifestyle and helps combat the onset of childhood obesity.  Students from each school were led through a training program by teachers and/or volunteers and accumulated the equivalent of 25.2 miles prior to race day.  On Saturday they finished their own marathon by completing the final mile at the Kids Run the OC.

The OC Marathon is considered as one of the best full and half marathon courses in the state due to its diverse terrain, changing vistas and majestic ocean views.  It traverses the cities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana and boasts a blend of chic coastal scenery, tranquil nature and sophisticated arts and shopping.  An estimated 25,000 spectators lined the course and start line in front of the Newport Beach Marriott and finish line at OC Fair and Event Center, while an additional 30,000 attended the two-day Nutrilite® Health & Fitness Expo.  

Digital video and photos: https://ocmarathon.sharefile.com/d/sdb59395d4954a24b

SOURCE The OC Marathon