They're off! at the Boston Marathon

Posted: 04.20.2009 at 10:06 AM

Read more: National, Boston Marathon, Wheelchair, Kenya, Amateur

Boston Marathon runners rest up in Athlete's Village, in Hopkinton, Mass., Monday, April 20, 2009, prior to the start of the 113th Boston Marathon. More than 26,000 runners will participate in today's race. / AP Photo/Bizuayehu Tesfaye

BOSTON (AP) — The wheelchair racers are off at the Boston Marathon, leaving Hopkinton for the 26.2-mile trip to Copley Square.

Ernst Van Dyk is trying to win the men's wheelchair race a record eight times and match Jean Driscoll's women's record. Clarence De Mar won the main race seven times in the 1920s.

A field of 25,000 was scheduled to leave the start at 10 a.m. Defending champions Robert Cheruiyot (CHEH-ree-yot) of Kenya and Dire Tune (DEER-ay TOO-nay) of Ethiopia are trying to repeat as champions. Americans Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher could give the United States its first victory in the race in decades.

Barrington Broadcasting is a member of the AP Network.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, WACH, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please flag it above.

Popular Stories

Arrest made in 'vicious beating' of teens in Richland County
WACH Fox News Center | Today at 6:05 PM

Sheriff's Deputies seeking suspects in gang beating
Drew Stewart | Yesterday at 5:04 PM | 1 comment

SLED investigating deadly shooting involving West Columbia officer
Kara Durrette | Today at 6:20 PM | 1 comment

Follow Midlands Connect

Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below

submit

Special Features

MOJO Gallery

View and share your pictures from around the Midlands

Mission Midlands

A program from the Oliver Gospel Mission

MoneyWACH

Financial tips & tricks from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Find it, click it, use it... your neighborhood business guide.

Latest Headlines

USC football commit cites academics as factor
The University of South Carolina football program has picked up a key recruit who says he chose the school not only for its athletics, but also its academics. But, what Arden Key said about the school is being interpreted different ways.
read more »
NASCAR driver turns himself in after arrest warrants issued
Daytona to get $400M facelift
Georgia radio hosts fired after mocking ex-NFL player with ALS
Gamecock football team earns sportsmanship awards
USC's Staley helping less fortunate get a foothold

Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands