Top marathon finishers

2nd Lt. Jacob Bradorsky (above) says his 2:23:30 win in today's Marine Corps Marathon was not unexpected, but came after a nonflashy start. "It feels like I've been training hard for this race, and my goal was to win it," said Bradorsky, of Centerville, Ohio. While an early pack went out fast, Bradorsky felt more confident with every mile, joining the lead group and eventually dumping all but one competitor, Ronald Kurui, who hung on until there was less than a mile to go. Ultimately, Bradorsky's strategy worked: None of the first five runners at the 5-kilometer mark were shown within the top five when

were tallied. Bradorsky said there were some obstacles, notably near the Capital Mall.

"[It was a] rough course at times, but perfect conditions for running," Bradorsky said. Of the new route through the Mall, he says, there were "cars right in front of you and kicking up dust." Kurui, who is listed on race materials as an Ellicott City resident, finished second after battling with Bradorsky through much of the race. In the women's race, Janet Cherobon of Kenya, running out of Rome, Ga., won with a time of 2:42:38. View full results here >>

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster