from Victor Sailer

Under ideal weather conditions, 52F and no wind with a beautiful azure skies, the Minyard 8000 world record attempt took off after over 2,000 runners ran and finished for the Texas Special Olympics.

The elite women started 3:30 ahead of the gathered elite men's field. Alvetina Ivanova (RUS) led from the start and was never passed by any runner, and ran a surprisely solid course record 25:16. Over a minute later Tatiana Chulakh (RUS) finished in 26:17 holding off Lyubov Denisova (RUS) (26:27). Alvetina collected $5k ($3k for the win, $1k for course prime and and $1k for a new course record).

Setting a blistering opening mile by Sammy Kipketer(KEN) in 4:18, Abrahim Chebii(KEN) and Shadrock Kosgei(KEN) closely followed. Sammy continued with another 4:18 and broke away from his team KIMBIA teammates.

"I went out too fast" Kipketer lamented after falling off sub world record pace while passing 5K at 13:46. At 5K, he led Chebii by two seconds and another two seconds over Kosgei, but they never were able to get back on the pace to set the world record. Finishing in 22:12, Kipketer missed the World Record by nine seconds and the Minyard $10,000 bonus. However, he walked proudly away with $5k ($3k for the win, $1k for course prime and and $1k for a new course record.

Overall Males
1. Sammy Kipketer(Ken) 22:12
2. Abrahim Chebii(Ken) 22:18
3. Shadrock Kosgei(Ken)22.29
4. Matt Pulle (USA) 27:05
5. Carlos Cortez (USA) 28:02

Overall Females
1. Alvetina Ivanova(RUS) 25:16
2.Tatiana Chulakh(RUS) 26:17
3. Lyuvbov Denisova(RUS) 26:27
4. Rebbi Koech (KEN) 26:55
5.Minori Hayakari(JAP) 27:21