Sister City Resident Wins 2015 Little Rock Marathon

 “The course was perfect,” said a translator for 25-year-old Yao Long, of Changchun City, Jilin Province, Peoples’ Republic of China; the winner of the 2015 Little Rock Marathon. Long finished with a time of 2:44:49. Last year’s winner, Mark Chepses, of Des Moines, Ia., won with a time of 2:25:42.

Changchun is one of four cities in the world partnering with the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission (lrsistercities.org) to foster relationships by promoting mutual, cross-cultural understanding; providing regular interaction and informational exchange; and creating economic development opportunities.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola says Changchun has been a Little Rock Sister Cities partner since 1994. Over the last three years, both cities have had accomplished athletes compete in each other’s marathons.

Today’s Little Rock Marathon was Yao’s first marathon in the United States. He said he was “very, very happy,” with his performance. He also thanked the people of Little Rock for their kindness and friendliness, adding, “It was a great honor to be here.”

“Winning this race means the world to me; it’s a dream come true,” said Angie Zinkus, age 38; of Eads, Tenn., the winner of the 2015 Little Rock Marathon’s Female Division. Angie crossed the finish line just one second under the three-hour mark – 2:59:59.

Angie said she did not start racing until a few years ago, adding that she’s learned that you can’t take the race too seriously. “You’ve got to have fun with it … if you let it get to your mind it’s no fun anymore,” she said.

Angie also had high praise for the Little Rock Marathon, saying she has “much respect” for the course. “I’ve run two Boston Marathons, and, to me, this course is much harder. It is well respected and known that Little Rock puts on a fabulous marathon.”

Angie said that last year’s winner, Leah Thorvilson of Little Rock (who won with a time of 2:42:39), was her inspiration for today’s race. She said she received a text from Leah just before the race, which said, “Go get it girl!”

Drew Nowlin, age 27 of Mayfield, Ky., finished second in the men’s division with a time of 2:47:21; followed by the third place winner, Ryan McClay age 29, of Mableton, Ga., with a time of 2:48:43.

Finishing second and third in the female division was Katharine Reilly, age 38, of Bethlehem, Pa., with a time of 3:16:42. Jenn Forkenbrock, age 39, of Lawrence, Ks., finished third with a time of 3:18:16.

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