CINCINNATI -- After years of coming oh-so close, Kerry Lee finally won her first Flying Pig Marathon Sunday.
The Anderson High School teacher and cross country coach finished in 2:53:55, claiming first place in the women's division.
Sweet moment for Kerry Lee as she wins the #FlyingPig, accompanied by Anderson HS runners. pic.twitter.com/BmrtzyRrUt
— Shannon Russell (@slrussell) May 7, 2017
Lee, 42, had placed in the top three since 2011. Last year, she ran out of steam at mile 21 and eventual winner Anne Flower overtook her.
But Lee stayed strong throughout this year's race, averaging a pace of 6:38. She ran 7:04 in her last mile.
"Every year I've wanted it more," she said. "It's really just because of the kids I coach. I want to show them grit."
Kerry Lee finished with Anderson runners Liam Gallagher, Ben Lindblad, Will Thomas and Joe Ingram. #FlyingPig
— Shannon Russell (@slrussell) May 7, 2017
Kerry Lee says her team at Anderson High keeps her motivated. More from the female marathon winner at 6. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/X1u92rUhHd
— Kristen Swilley (@KristenSwilley) May 7, 2017
Wendy Marshall finished second among women, in 3:00:04, and Katie Aerni placed third at 3:02:49.
University of Cincinnati graduate Jack Randall was the overall winner of the 19th annual Flying Pig Marathon, with an unofficial time of 2:33:43.
Sunday was Randall's first time running the Flying Pig and his fifth marathon overall. The 22-year-old from Dayton, Ohio had an average pace of 5:52. He ran 5:56 in his last mile.
Jack Randall wins the 19th Flying Pig Marathon. pic.twitter.com/LB8jsQygID
— Shannon Russell (@slrussell) May 7, 2017
Second place went to Emmett Saulnier, with a time of 2:35:15. Brian Korody, coming in at 2:42:10, finished third.
Last year's winner, Sergio Reyes, won with a time of 2:26:03. He didn't compete this year. The record in the men's division went to Cecil Franke in 2006, who won with a time of 2:20:25 that year.
Briana Harper and Kristen Swilley contributed to this report.
