LINCOLN, RHODE ISLAND – October 20, 2008 – The Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon made its return to Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday, October 18, 2008. More than 1,200 runners from around the world participated in this world-class event and competed on the 26.2 mile course.
The first place male, Kassahun Kabiso of Sleepy Hollow, New York, completed the race in 2:29:50. The first place woman, Devon Crosby-Helms of Seattle, Washington, completed the race in 2:58:51.
Second- and third-place men were Quentin Reeve of Boston, Massachusetts, with 2:42:21, and Tyler Goodspeed of Cambridge, Massachusetts, with 2:43:28. Emmily Chelanga of Sleepy Hollow, New York, with 3:03:55, and Mary McHugh of Boston, Massachusetts, with 3:05:32, were the second- and third-place women finishers. All runners who completed the course received finishers’ medals.
The first-finishing relay team, “Fraud Hate,Û_åÂVbCrLf posted 2:48:06. There were 85 relay teams comprised of about 420 runners.
The marathon’s participants represented several states and nations, and the winners’ awards were presented at the Newport Yachting Center.
The Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon 2008 garnered strong community support, featured first-class organization and a scenic rolling course – USATF-certified and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon – through Middletown and Newport. The race also included a “Kids’ RaceÛ_åÂVbCrLf and the marathon route was portioned into five legs for the relay team competition.
The 2008 Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon supported grassroots marathon running by offering prize money as well as expense and travel money for qualified athletes. Top marathoners were encouraged to apply for financial support for travel and lodging, as well as an entry fee waiver if they met the following standards:
åá male marathoners who have run 2:40 or better during the past two years
åá female marathoners who have run 3:05 or better during the past two years
The prize money structure was as follows:
Open men and women
First Place $1,000
Second Place $500
Third Place $250
Age-group and in-state men and women
First 40 to 49 $200
First 50 to 59 $200
First 60 and over $200
First Rhode Islander $150
The mission of the 2008 Amica Insurance Breakers Marathon race weekend was to have a first-class marathon race in the great state of Rhode Island while raising money for the Providence Ronald McDonald House.