Blake Russell, a 2001 graduate of Elon's physical therapy program, finished 27th overall in the women's marathon of the Beijing Olympics with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes and 13 seconds. She was the sole American to complete the race and is profiled in the summer issue of The Magazine of Elon.
Constantina Tomescu-Dita won gold for Romania in the marathon with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes and 44 seconds. Runners for Kenya and China finished second and third, respectively.
Russell ran with the lead pack of runners through much of the early part of the race. After coming through 20 km in 35th place (1:11:37), Russell gradually moved up, coming through the half in 1:15:33 and moving steadily up to 27th.
You can listen to an interview with Russell on the new Magazine of Elon Extra Web site, which features added video and audio content along with photo galleries.
In her magazine interview, Russell discusses her long road to the Olympics and her fond memories of Elon. The summer issue of the magazine also is available on the new Web site.
For results of Sunday’s marathon, check the Olympic Web site to the right.