'It was a next-level experience': Canada's Kate Bazeley on World Marathon Major debut
CBC
Kate Bazeley will have to wait until next spring, at least, to run her dream race.
The St. John's native made her World Marathon Major debut on Sunday in Chicago and placed 16th among elite women over 42.2 kilometres in two hours 36 minutes 46 seconds, or 11 seconds short of her personal-best time.
Bazeley told CBC Sports the energy from a large gathering of spectators along the entire course on a humid and windy morning was something she didn't experience in her previous three marathons.
"It was so exciting, definitely a next-level experience," said the 37-year-old. "It took about 5K to relax because the start was so intense. When the [start] gun went off, everybody was flying and you're trying not to run into anybody or get knocked around.
"We were all a bit surprised how gusty it was and, of course, it was warm [23 C at race time]. I'm happy with 16th and I think I ran the best I could for the [conditions]. For the dream race everything has to align. One day."
Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich, the 2019 world champion, obliterated the women's field to win in 2:22:31, securing a 27-second lead through the first 10 km. The American duo of Emma Bates and Sara Hall followed in 2:24:20 and 2:27:19, respectively.
"The race was good — it was nice but it was tough. To push alone is not easy," said Chepngetich, who set the world record in the half marathon earlier this year in Istanbul. "I just focused and I believed in myself."