Steve Gilbert
Sam Costa used to hang out with runners from central Indiana. . . . (These) early advocates had a race each year called the "Central Indiana Striders Half Marathon". It was held on the western outskirts of Marion County in late winter and Sam would participate with the rest of his buddies. Sam was a good, if not great runner, but he enjoyed the camaraderie of this group and the fledgling sport it represented. (Sam was, in fact, a detective with the Chicago Police Department. His traveling 200 miles to train and compete with a few friends is testimony to his dedication.) Sam would not live to see his avocation become accepted as it is today. He became terminally ill with cancer and passed away in the early '70's. His friends felt that the most appropriate memorial would be to name their half marathon event after Sam. For that reason it has been called the "Sam Costa Half Marathon" ever since."
OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO
Sunday March 23rd, 2025
Limassol, Cyprus
Distance: Marathon · Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Offical Race Web Site
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OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO is the largest sports event in Cyprus and its stunning natural location is instantly impressive. With a flat, fast and straight course stretching 21km along Cyprus beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and a maximum altitude of 18m, runners have a real chance of achieving a PB as they enjoy the spectacular views and refreshing sea breeze. Early spring warmth, ancient ruins and delicious, healthy food complete the setting.
The OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO is quite unique in that it offers a number of different races on race day. In addition to the full marathon, there is a Half Marathon, a 10K Energy Race, a 5K City Race, a 5K Corporate Team Race and a 1K Kids Race. Together these races offer a complete sporting experience for all ages and abilities, which is very much embraced by the thousands of participants and spectators who come to the start line to cheer the participants on. Overseas visitors can expect a friendly and celebratory atmosphere in a beautiful seaside location, as well as the highest international running standards.
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OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO, Race Date: 2025-03-23, Distance: Marathon
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 2:27:50 | tofi giorgos | cyp | |
| 2nd Male | 2:28:54 | nick bester | gbr | |
| 3rd Male | 2:30:27 | michael tylor | gbr | |
| 4th Male | 2:34:10 | andreas galides | cyp | |
| Female | 2:54:42 | eleni ioannou | cyp | |
| 2nd Female | 3:05:47 | thrasyvoulou stravroulla | cyp | |
| 3rd Female | 3:09:41 | anna kawalec | pol | |
| 4th Female | 3:11:57 | hannah tolley | gbr |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| M 40-49 | 2:30:27 | michael tylor | gbr | |
| M 50-59 | 2:51:32 | daniel biazley | gbr | |
| M 60-69 | 3:27:11 | sotiris antoniou | grc | |
| M 70+ | 5:06:26 | roman janik | pol | |
| F 40-49 | 2:54:42 | eleni ioannou | cyp | |
| F 50-59 | 3;18:06 | karen wiliamson | gbr | |
| F 60-69 | 4:18:51 | kadriye debreli | cyp |
The OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO route is not a difficult one. Consisting of a flat route with the longest distance traveled along the coastal road of Limassol.
The start of the Marathon is on the Limassol Molos and goes along towards the end of seafront, where the athletes turn, and the route continues in a westerly direction. From the Old Port Roundabout, the participants run along Kioproulouzate Street and continue along Franklin Roosevelt, heading towards the New Port Roundabout, where they turn and continue east.
The route follows Franklin Roosevelt again, passing the church of St. Thekla and continues onto Spyros Araouzou, the coastal road of Limassol.
Runners will go east, towards the ancient ruins at Amathus, following a coastal route through the municipalities of Limassol, Agios Athanasios and Germasogeia. At the 22nd km of the route, the path turns and the journey continues again in a westerly direction along the coastal road.
At the focal point of Georgios Grivas Digenis street is a 180 degree turn onto Prophet Elias Street, where athletes turn again, this time towards the end of the route on the Limassol Molos.
Wuxi Marathon
Sunday March 23rd, 2025
Wuxi, China
Distance: Marathon
Offical Race Web Site
Join Wuxi Marathon
The Wuxi Marathon is fast and scenic race which receives support from the local government and enthusiastic residents.
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Wuxi Marathon, Race Date: 2025-03-23, Distance: Marathon
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 2:07:00 | Samsom Amare | eri | |
| 2nd Male | 2:07:02 | Gaddisa Tafa | ethi | |
| 3rd Male | 2:07:07 | Chalu Deso | ethi | |
| 4th Male | 2:07:15 | Tadu Abate | ethi | |
| Female | 2:23:42 | Kuftu Tahir | mar | |
| 2nd Female | 2:24:21 | Asimarech Naga | ethi | |
| 3rd Female | 2:26:08 | Gete Dukale | ethi | |
| 4th Female | 2:27:11 | Xu Bingjie | china |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
B of A Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Sunday March 23rd, 2025
Chicago, Illinois
Distance: 8K
Offical Race Web Site
The Shamrock 8k is a huge celebration of the beginning of running season. It is the world's largest timed 8k, starting and finishing in Chicago's Grant Park. Runners feel the energy of over 30,000 runners and a big cheering crowd (present during the entire course.)The excitement lasts throughout the after-party, where participants find beer, food and live music.
The flat and fast course is home to many personal bests and world class performances, including the women's American 8K record (24:36) set by Deena Kastor in 2005, and the course record (22:35) set by Kenya's James Kariuki in 1998.
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Prize Money: $20,000
Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Chicago IL 60601
B of A Shamrock Shuffle 8K, Race Date: 2025-03-23, Distance: 8k
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 22:52 | gable sieperda | ||
| 2nd Male | 22:56 | shuajib aljabaly | ||
| 3rd Male | 22:56 | curtis eckstein | ||
| 4th Male | 22:59 | ethan gregg | ||
| Female | 25:31 | amy davis | ||
| 2nd Female | 25:56 | claire green | ||
| 3rd Female | 26:04 | anne marie | ||
| 4th Female | 26:25 | rachael rudel |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| M 40-49 | 25:57 | ben bocher | ||
| M 50-59 | 27:46 | trent fifield | ||
| M 60-69 | 30:00 | ken schuch | ||
| M 70+ | 38:20 | bill leiner | ||
| F 40-49 | 27:34 | dan sranton | ||
| F 50-59 | 34:39 | deena kastor | ||
| F 60-69 | 35:51 | angelica guerrero | ||
| F 70+ | 52:09 | claire berman |
Thousands of runners kicked off the spring running season under ideal race conditions at the 38th annual Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Grant Park turned green as defending champion, Stephen Sambu, 28, of Tucson, Ariz., sprinted away from the men’s field, breaking the tape in the event’s sixth fastest time ever, 22:47. Two-time Olympian Kim Conley, 31, of Sacramento, Calif., took advantage of the 45 degree temperatures to run away from the women’s field, winning by 59 seconds in 25:43.
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K is one of Chicago’s best running celebrations, with a one-of-a-kind course! The Chicago tradition continues the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and kicks off the spring running season in Chicago. The run’s unique 8K (4.97 miles) course weaves its way through downtown Chicago, starting and finishing in Grant Park.
Not up for the run? Join the walk! Walkers will be treated to a scenic 2 mile course along Chicago’s lakefront, starting and finishing in the same location as the 8K run. The walk is a perfect introduction to the Shamrock Shuffle and is ideal for aspiring runners or those looking to take part in the celebration without tackling an 8K (4.97 miles).
St Patrick's Day 5K
Saturday March 22nd, 2025
Vancouver, Canada
Distance: 5K
Offical Race Web Site
The St. Patrick’s Day 5K has cemented itself as the marquee 5K event on Canada’s sporting calendar, proudly supporting Diabetes Canada.
Founded in 2005 by two passionate runners, the race was born from a deeply personal journey. After losing a parent to cancer on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and witnessing another battle with diabetes, they decided to turn their love of running into a force for good. With a mission to share the life-changing benefits of running and raise funds for diabetes research, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K was created.
More than just a race, it’s a celebration of resilience, health, and community. Running can be challenging—it can test your limits—but the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can lead to a healthier, happier, and more confident you. If this race can change even one person’s life through running, then it’s a success.
Join us in making a difference—one step at a time
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St Patrick's Day 5K, Race Date: 2025-03-22, Distance: 5k
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 14:26 | BROATCH, Thomas | Vancouver, BC | |
| 2nd Male | 14:33 | SOBEY, Martin | Victoria, BC | |
| 3rd Male | 14:44 | MULUGETA, Yemane | Surrey, BC | |
| 4th Male | 14:50 | TIWANA, Jaiveer | Surrey, BC | |
| Female | 16:03 | SIM, Glynis | Vancouver, BC | |
| 2nd Female | 16:09 | ELMORE, Malindi | Kelowna, BC | |
| 3rd Female | 16:15 | MACGILLIVRAY, Holly | Vancouver, BC | |
| 4th Female | 16:54 | GINTHER, Ally | Vancouver, BC |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
(2019) The St Patrick’s Day 5K lived up to its hype as Canada’s most competitive 5K, despite the late withdrawal of several top entrants. Transplanted Scot, Sarah Inglis, broke the Canadian All-Comers record set by Natasha Wodak as last year’s race. Inglis ran a stunning 15:29, with Wodak also 3 seconds under the old mark having to settle for second in 15:36. Wodak’s consolation was an F3539 Canadian record, and the BC Championship.
Event record prize money was also paid out on the men’s side, as John Gay clocked 14:06, the fastest 5K ever seen in BC, also earning him the BC Championship. Justin Kent out-leaned Kieran Lumb for third, both finishing in 14:13, just a second outside the old record set by Luc Bruchet last year.
Run in perfect conditions, the downhill first 400m, plus bonuses on offer to the leaders through the first mile, ensured a fast pace from the outset. Justin Kent won the mile bonus in 4:20, marginally ahead of Gay, with a 40m gap back to Lumb leading the pack in third. The women’s mile was even closer, taking a photo to separate American Shalaya Kipp from Inglis, in 4:44, with Wodak a second behind. Kipp faded from that point on, but still held on to third at the finish.
Last year the top 75 finishers broke 17 minutes. That record too was broken, as this year the top 76 broke 17.
Sam Costa Half Marathon
Saturday March 22nd, 2025
Carmel, IN
Distance: Half Marathon · Quarter Marathon
Offical Race Web Site
Sam Costa Half Marathon, certified by USATF, is 13.10938 miles. Sam Costa Quarter Marathon, also USATF certified and sponsored by Mike Helms, DPM, is 6.55469 miles.
Male Record Holder - 1:06:55
Thom Burleson, 1983
Female Record Holder - 1:16:17
Erin Vergara, 2016
New courses for 2022!
We have made major improvements to the race courses! The races will incorporate a single combined start at 9:00 a.m., separating during mile 4. The courses are being updated for multiple reasons:
- Improved safety
- Incorporate paved trails along the White River
- Incorporate a few miles of the Sam Costa course from the 1980's, 1990's, and early 2000's
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Sam Costa Half Marathon, Race Date: 2025-03-22, Distance: Half Marathon
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 1:14:09 | Chad Carver | ||
| 2nd Male | 1:14:45 | Mark Satterly | ||
| 3rd Male | 1:15:02 | Robert Jackson | ||
| 4th Male | 1:15:28 | Benjamin Bogart | ||
| Female | 1:22:22 | Tera Moody | ||
| 2nd Female | 1:27:18 | Claire Mehling | ||
| 3rd Female | 1:28:23 | Gabrielle Pointon | ||
| 4th Female | 1:29:06 | Lucie Sulewski |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
So Who was Sam Costa?
This question is asked many times each year as more and more people become acquainted with the "Sam Costa Half Marathon". The story of "Sam Costa" goes back to the 1960's, well before running had achieved the mainstream status it enjoys today. Even though the Boston Marathon had been around since the 1890's, many people will suggest that running wasn't even "invented" in this country until Frank Shorter won the 1972 Olympic Marathon in Munich. Sam's story predates that by many years.
Sam Costa used to hang out with runners from central Indiana. Chuck Koeppen, legendary coach at Carmel, and eventual 4 - time winner of this race, was one of those. Stories are told of how these few running pioneers would have races in which the first person back would time everyone else as they finished. The kind of organization that we have come to know and expect simply did not exist nor was it necessary. With so few runners out on country roads with little or no traffic, modern necessities like aid stations and sentries were unknown.
These early advocates had a race each year called the "Central Indiana Striders Half Marathon". It was held on the western outskirts of Marion County in late winter and Sam would participate with the rest of his buddies. Sam was a good, if not great runner, but he enjoyed the camaraderie of this group and the fledgling sport it represented. Unfortunately, Sam would not live to see his avocation become accepted as it is today. He became terminally ill with cancer and passed away in the early '70's. His friends felt that the most appropriate memorial would be to name their half marathon event after Sam. For that reason it has been called the "Sam Costa Half Marathon" ever since.
The question still remains though - who was Sam Costa? Well, that is part of the hallowed tradition of this race. Sam was, in fact, a detective with the Chicago Police Department. His traveling 200 miles to train and compete with a few friends is testimony to his dedication. Years ago we adopted a logo for this event that depicts a "Sherlock Holmes" type figure. This historic detective figure appears on all our shirts and applications in honor of the man for whom this race is named.
All of us who love the Sam Costa Half Marathon hope this history lesson will add to your enjoyment of the event. May it also increase your understanding of its legacy in the running community.
Terry Townsend
Race Director - Sam Costa Half Marathon
Sam Costa used to hang out with runners from central Indiana. Chuck Koeppen, legendary coach at Carmel, and eventual 4 - time winner of this race, was one of those. Stories are told of how these few running pioneers would have races in which the first person back would time everyone else as they finished. The kind of organization that we have come to know and expect simply did not exist nor was it necessary. With so few runners out on country roads with little or no traffic, modern necessities like aid stations and sentries were unknown.
These early advocates had a race each year called the "Central Indiana Striders Half Marathon". It was held on the western outskirts of Marion County in late winter and Sam would participate with the rest of his buddies. Sam was a good, if not great runner, but he enjoyed the camaraderie of this group and the fledgling sport it represented. Unfortunately, Sam would not live to see his avocation become accepted as it is today. He became terminally ill with cancer and passed away in the early '70's. His friends felt that the most appropriate memorial would be to name their half marathon event after Sam. For that reason it has been called the "Sam Costa Half Marathon" ever since.
The question still remains though - who was Sam Costa? Well, that is part of the hallowed tradition of this race. Sam was, in fact, a detective with the Chicago Police Department. His traveling 200 miles to train and compete with a few friends is testimony to his dedication. Years ago we adopted a logo for this event that depicts a "Sherlock Holmes" type figure. This historic detective figure appears on all our shirts and applications in honor of the man for whom this race is named.
All of us who love the Sam Costa Half Marathon hope this history lesson will add to your enjoyment of the event. May it also increase your understanding of its legacy in the running community.
Terry Townsend
Race Director - Sam Costa Half Marathon
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