Jankowski, Chelagat Break Tape at Walt Disney World Half Marathon

January 10, 2009 from press release (LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL) David Jankowski of Rochester Hills, MI and Elizabeth Chelagat of Las Cruces, NM won the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, in the popular Walt Disney World Half Marathon. The 24-year old Jankowski posted a time of 1:07:36, conquering a field of more than 17,000 participants - and a chilly Florida morning - en route to victory. The win marks the seventh title in either the men’s or women’s division for Hanson’s Brooks Distance Project Running Club.

Edward Kiptum, another Las Cruces native, placed second overall at 1:08:10 in this year’s race. The 2007 Half Marathon winner Joe Shoemaker from Maynard, MA made another impressive showing, finishing third at 1:08:17.

Women’s champ Chelagat, 28, finished the 13.1 mile journey with an impressive time of 1:17:32. She bested Suzanne Huelster from Riverton, N.J. who came in second at 1:20:55 and Kimberly Coleman from Louisville, Ky. who finished at 1:22:54.

Robert Winn, 50, of Ogunquit, Maine reigned supreme in the Masters division (ages 40 and up) with a time of 1:14:02. Ana Luiza Garcez, 46, from Sao Paulo, Brazil won the women’s Masters race posting a time of 1:31:41.

In the Wheelchair Marathon, Germantown, TN resident John Payne won with a time of 1:24:18, just 33 seconds ahead of women’s Wheelchair winner Jacqui Kapinowski, from Point Pleasant, NJ. Kapinowski, 46, became the first back-to-back winner in the women’s Wheelchair Marathon since Katherine Hunter won six years in a row between 1998 and 2003.

45,000 people registered for various events throughout Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend making it the largest since the event began in 1994. The Walt Disney World Marathon is Sunday, January 11 and 22,000 strong have registered for the magical trek through Disney’s four major theme parks. The weekend also includes the Circle of Life 5K, Disney’s Kid’s Races, and a Health and Fitness Expo.

For more information on Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend visit www.disneyworldmarathon.com .

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker (March), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Please visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.