Marine Corps Marathon 2015 Results: Men's and Women's Top Finishers

Trevor Lafontaine of Cornwall, New York, won the 40th annual Marine Corps Marathon earlier today, coming in with a time of just 2:24:22. According to CBS DC, it was the 22-year-old runner's first time ever competing at the 26.2-mile distance.  

The rookie edged second-place finisher Oscar Mateo Santos of Mexico by 1:43. Brian Flynn, of Rockingham, Virginia, placed third at 2:26:53.

Jenny Mendez Suanca of Costa Rica paced the women's field, coming in at 2:45:55. Christine Taranto of Monteray, California turned in a time of 2:53:29 for second place, while Maria Elena Jiminez of Mexico took third with a time of 2:55:34. 

The top 10 finishers for men and women are as follows:

1.Trevor Lafontaine (US)	2:24:22
2. Oscar Manteo Santos (MX)	2:26:07
3. Brian Flynn (US)	2:26:53
4. Jordan Tropf (US)	2:27:02
5. Daniel Schlich (US)	2:27:07
6. Kenneth Foster (US)	2:27:44
7. Justin Turner (US)	2:29:26
8. Timothy Richard (US)	2:30:50
9. Japheth Ng'ojoy (US)	2:31:19
10. Jose Campos (US)	2:32:27

1. Jenny Mendez Suanca (CR)	2:45:55
2. Christine Taranto (US)	2:53:29
3. Maria Elena Jiminez (MX)	2:55:34
4. Kara Waters (US)	2:55:52
5. Magin Day (US)	2:56:27
6. Jessica Arditti (US)	2:56:44:14
7. Laura Blaylock (US)	2:56:44:27
8. Chelsea Prahl (US)	2:56:48
9. Tanya Thatcher (US)	2:57:51
10. Alexis Juurlink (US)	2:57:56

Known as "The People's Marathon," The Marine Corps is one of the nation's largest and most popular marathons. While it offers no prize money, it attracts an impressive field of dedicated racers, as is clear from the very good times seen in the top 10. 

The race is held each year shortly before the Marine Corps' historic birthday on November 10. It is a day of pride for Corps and a celebration of general patriotism and inter-service camaraderie. On Twitter, Marine Commandant General Robert B. Neller expressed his appreciation for the volunteers:

As an event that is associated with men and women who know the true nature of self-sacrifice, participation is glorified as much as winning, as this moving Tweet from the offical Marine Corps Twitter account makes clear:

The United States military in this century has been called upon again and again to make major sacrifices on behalf of our nation's foreign policy. Sporting events like the Marines Corps Marathon provide a great format for civilians to participate in a celebration of that spirit of dedication.