Thousands Compete in Amica Marathon

Scott Leslie, 31, of Rutland MA, and Johnston's Megan Jaswell took top honors during Sunday's Amica Marathon in Newport, the Providence Journal Reports.

"It was a great race,” said Leslie. “This was one of the most beautiful races I have ever done. I want to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who made this race possible.”

Leslie finished in 2 hours and 41 minutes, while Jaswell clocked a 3:05:34 time. The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. 

"My goal was to run strong the entire race,” she said. “It was a beautiful course and great race for me.”

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Leslie was followed by runner-up Nicolas Menzies of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Menzies, the 2011 winner, crossed the finish line in 2:41:12, also qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Megan Jaswell, 25, of Johnston, Rhode Island was the top female. She recorded a winning time of 3:05:34. "My goal was to run strong the entire race,” she said. “It was a beautiful course and great race for me.” 

Local runner, Ryan Moore, 27, from Newport, Rhode Island, took the victory in the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon. Moore went out in front at the start and finished in 1:16:25. "I came here and wanted to see what I could do on this course,” he said. “I knew the wind was going to be a factor today. The course was challenging, but the support was fantastic out there.” 

Kathryn Fitzgerald, 26, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, won the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon today. She crossed the finish line first among the women competing in the 13.1-mile race in 1:27:30.

"The wind today made the course difficult,” said Fitzgerald. “I really liked the scenic course and I’m excited to have participated this year.”

Nearly 5,000 runners participated in the 2012 Amica Marathon in Newport. It included the Amica Marathon, the UnitedHealthcare Newport Half Marathon and a 5k. Runners ranged from 13 to 79 years old and came from six different countries to compete in the event, which showcased the City by the Sea.