Leah Thorvilson Wins LR Marathon for the Fourth Time
By: Tania Francois
Updated: March 5, 2012
Little Rock, Ark. (March 4, 2012) - For the fourth year in a row, Leah Thorvilson is the female winner of the Little Rock Marathon with a personal best time of 2:37:26. The 33-year-old Little Rock native said, "this is such a special day. I am just so proud."
Thorvilson, came in 55th int he women's Olympic trials. The top three make the team. She said she hopes she can still represent the United States at the World Games or the Pan Am Games. "I am so inspired by the women on the Olympic Team. I'm a little older, and I've never run this fast before. I think I'm going to keep chasing it."
Thorvilson said she was overwhelmed by the support of the City of Little Rock for her marathon efforts. "I can't even tell you how awesome Little Rock is. I have always had support, but this year was far and away the loudest and the strongest. I just did what everybody says you can't do - it was my fourth marathon this year and my fastest time ever, and the hardest course I have run. It just goes to show that if you set your mind and your heart to it - I have worked my a** off for this race - and it paid off and I couldn't be happier, I just couldn't be happier. Everywhere along the course I could feel the support of the city and hear the cheers. I guess that's why I have never moved away from Little Rock."
Thirty-two-year-old Hellen Rotich of Manor, TX, was second with a time of 2:47:46. Rotich won the Little Rock Marathon in 2008.
In third place was Heather McWhirter of Glenwood, AR, with a time of 2:54:14.
Thorvilson, came in 55th int he women's Olympic trials. The top three make the team. She said she hopes she can still represent the United States at the World Games or the Pan Am Games. "I am so inspired by the women on the Olympic Team. I'm a little older, and I've never run this fast before. I think I'm going to keep chasing it."
Thorvilson said she was overwhelmed by the support of the City of Little Rock for her marathon efforts. "I can't even tell you how awesome Little Rock is. I have always had support, but this year was far and away the loudest and the strongest. I just did what everybody says you can't do - it was my fourth marathon this year and my fastest time ever, and the hardest course I have run. It just goes to show that if you set your mind and your heart to it - I have worked my a** off for this race - and it paid off and I couldn't be happier, I just couldn't be happier. Everywhere along the course I could feel the support of the city and hear the cheers. I guess that's why I have never moved away from Little Rock."
Thirty-two-year-old Hellen Rotich of Manor, TX, was second with a time of 2:47:46. Rotich won the Little Rock Marathon in 2008.
In third place was Heather McWhirter of Glenwood, AR, with a time of 2:54:14.
