By Kim J. Harmon

NEW YORK – There were several local runners among the throng of some 33,000 athletes who took to the challenge of the New York City Marathon on Sunday . . . but of course, none of them could match the stride of Joseph Chebet, a Kenyan who won the Boston Marathon earlier this year before winning the New York Marathon with a 2:09.14 time.

Bruce Goulart of Newtown finished at 3:47.34, Bob Collier of Newtown finished at 4:06, and Leah Begg of Newtown came in at 4:23.31.

Mark Fries and his daughter, Emily, of Sandy Hook, started and finished the race together at 4:43.06 (see the story of their race and their experience – complete with photos – in the November 19 issue of The Newtown Bee).

Robert Fisher of Newtown finished at 4:52.10.

All in all, a nice representation from the local runners.

NOTE:_Chebet won $50,000 and a new car for taking first place, but an extra $20,000 bonus for finishing the race under 2:10. Adrianna Fernandez, the women’s winner, also won $50,000 and a new car, as well as $25,000 for finishing under 2:26.