Cragg Wins Marathon Trial, Earns Spot On US Olympic Team
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amy Cragg has won the steamy U.S. Olympic Team Marathon Trials, earning a berth to the Rio Games.
Cragg finished ahead Desiree Linden and Shalane Flanagan, who also made the Olympic team by finishing in the top three.
Cragg, who fourth in the trials four years ago, pulled away late to win in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 27 seconds.
Linden rallied in the final mile to finish second at 2:29:00. Flanagan, who won the trials four years ago, made her fourth Olympic team by finishing in 2:29:26.
Cragg and Flanagan, who are training partners, ran to the early lead and raced together until Cragg pulled off the victory. Linden overtook Flanagan in the final 3 miles.
Runners competed in record heat, with the official temperature at 66 degrees at the start. The trials record was 61 degrees in 1960. The temperature rose to 75 by the end of the race.
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