Boilermaker Road Race: Women's 15K comes down to final steps as new champions crowned

Grace Nawowuna was crowned as the Boilermaker female 15K winner after edging Emmaculate Anya Achol at the finish line.

Nawowuna won by a margin of less than .2 seconds, with the two breaking the ribbon side-by side in 49:17.82 and 49:18.00. Both were born in Kenya and now run out of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

"In my mind, I didn't expect to win," Nawowuna admitted after the race.

Cynthia Jerotic Limo, a third Kenyan, was just over one second behind Achol at the finish, with defending champion Jesca Chelangat fourth, 17 seconds back.

Annamaria Kostarellis, a Rochester native from Arkansas, was the top American finisher in eighth place. She, too, was running the Boilermaker for the first time.

"I heard about (the Boilermaker) growing up," said Kostarellis. "When I thought about taking a trip back home, this seemed like an opportunity to represent Rochester."

Kostarellis added the Boilermaker to her schedule after she withdrew from the U.S. Olympic trials with an ill-timed injury; the former Baylor University runner had planned to compete in the 10,000-meter run. The Boilermaker experience did not disappoint.

"It was so exciting," she added. "I love the energy. I love the community.

"I hope (to return). Please have me back."

posted Monday July 15th
by Jon Rathbun