honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Running: Cheruiyot's sidewalk path OK in Boston victory


JIMMY GOLEN
AP Sports Writer

BOSTON — Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot's (CHEER-ee-yot's) victory in the Boston Marathon will stand, even though he popped onto the sidewalk for a few steps early in the race to pass the leaders.

Race organizers say they've watched video and don't think Cheruiyot gained any special advantage from the move.

WBZ-TV in Boston aired the footage Monday night, hours after Cheruiyot won the 26.2-mile race in a record 2 hours, 5 minutes, 52 seconds. It showed the Kenyan running out of the pack and onto a sidewalk before coming back onto the street in front.

Organizers say there are no sidelines in road racing, and as long as he wasn't cutting any corners, it's OK.

In 1980, Rosie Ruiz was disqualified for skipping part of the Boston Marathon course after claiming the title.