Storm delays but does not swamp Chicago Shoreline Marathon

Preceded by a week of near perfect weather, the carefully planned schedule for the Chicago Shoreline Marathon on August 20 was forcibly changed by a fast moving thunder and lightening storm with 50 mph winds. The storm sent competitors, volunteers, vendors and spectators to the safety of the beach house on Leone Beach. Racers relaxed next to a painted Chicago skyline instead of paddling past it.

Following a nearly three-hour delay, visitors were finally able to watch the 38 marathon competitors start. Shortly thereafter, 60 2Beach Course paddlers set out. New to this year's event was the participation of several outrigger canoe teams, a paddling discipline growing rapidly in popularity in the Midwest.

After only two hours, eight minutes and 20 seconds, Dawid Mocke, 32, from South Africa finished, winning his fourth Chicago Shoreline Marathon by beating his countryman Sean Rice, 22, by a mere 39 seconds. U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Barton, 53, completed the course in 2:13:14, placing third.

The Chicago Shoreline Marathon would not have been possible without the support of many volunteers, sponsors and supporters. Eighteen skilled paddlers provided on-water safety and 20 more worked registration, timing, provided running services and spent the day at the T-shirt and raffle tables.

Champion C9/Target provided shirts, LL Bean a kayak for the raffle, Chiro One staff massaged aching muscles on site and Powerade Zero quenched thirsts.

For a full list of marathon times, boats paddled and great photos by Scott Fincher and Rich Hodgkins, go to www.chicagoshorelinemarathon.com.