Arlington County

Virginia Runners Set Records, Take Top Spots at Marine Corps Marathon, 10K

Out of more than 20,000 people who finished the 42nd annual Marine Corps Marathon, six Virginia residents took the top spots in the women's division, men's division and 10K race.

Sarah Bishop, 35, of Fairfax, Virginia, crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 45 minutes and 7 seconds to take the women’s title. Bishop is a former U.S. Air Force officer and current mother of four children, including two twins.

In the men’s division, Desta Beriso Morkama, 32, of Arlington, Virginia, finished in first place after a 2 hour, 25 minute, 14 second run. Welsey Turner, of Danville, Virginia crossed the finish line about two minutes later and took second place. Kieran O’Connor, from Arlington finished in third place less than 30 seconds behind Turner.

Bethany Sachtleben, 25, of Alexandria, Virginia set a course record after finishing the 10K race in 34 minutes and seven seconds. 

"Everyone in the water stations and people on the course were really supportive and they cheered which was really fun and made it a lot easier when it was feeling kind of hard,” Sachtleben said.

She shaved 35 seconds off the previous record time, set by Alemtsehey Misganaw of Ellicott City, MD.

The first-place men's 10K winner set a record as the second fastest runner on the course. He finished the race in 32 minutes and 17 seconds.

Alexandria's Al Richmond, known as the "Groundpounder," also completed this race --his 42nd completed Marine Corps Marathon

All times are unofficial until verified by race officials. Check the MCM results page for winners in other categories or to find a specific runner.

The race began 10 minutes later than scheduled. Organizers said Sunday night the race was delayed while police investigated a suspicious package.

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