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(Times photo - Donovan Quintero)
Randy Billey of Farmington runs along Navajo Route 13 at about the halfway mark of the 25th Annual Shiprock Marathon & Relays with Tsé bit'a'’ in the background Saturday. Billey took first in the men's marathon in a time of 2:52:53, averaging 6:36 per mile.
Near perfect weather blessed the 25th Annual Shiprock Marathon last weekend with 937 runners entered in four events.
The 26.2-mile course was the main event and Randy Billy of Farmington won the men's division and was the overall champion. Kay Evans, 46, of Chocowinity, N.C., won the women's event.
Billy, 31, who has won the marathon for two years in a row, was timed in 2:52:53. Evans was timed at 3:30:56.
Marathon coordinator Jeff Foultz said the course is certified and accepted by the U.S. Track and Field Association and can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon and the Olympic Trials.
Foultz said this year's event had a record number of entrants in the marathon, half marathon and the 10K trail walk, but less entries in the relay marathon, which had 65 teams.
Foultz said the addition of a 1K fun run was for young runners and "the idea was just to get them out there and be part of the marathon."
Foultz said throughout the day, the weather was perfect for runners as the wind was blowing from the back of the runners.
"Its nothing to hang your head about," Foultz said about runners that did not finish the race. "It was our Silver anniversary and we have a lot to be grateful for."
Next year's marathon will be held on May 3, 2009.