Corona Twins Dominate Marathon

By mitchpa on February 21, 2019

By Clay Shaw

EL PASO, TX—Twin brothers Francisco and Pancho Corona finished first and second overall at the El Paso Marathon held February 17. The 35-year-old twins from Mexico were delighted with their placement and support for each other during the event. Francisco won in 2:54:36. Pancho was second in 2:55:26. Pawel Ruszniak of Poland was third overall in 2:57:43. Brant Lutz of Albuquerque, NM was first Masters and fourth overall in 2:59:32.

Jennifer Liechti from San Antonio, TX was the top female overall, in 3:29:18. Liechti was quite pleased with her win and Boston qualifier. Liechti chose the El Paso Marathon to also reunite with her two brothers who are El Paso Firefighters. Masters runners Eva Michalak (3:44:02), and Kelli Cubeta (3:45:49) took the other two spots. Sheri Bullock our friend from Lemoyne, PA ran her 13^th state, and placed ninth overall and 2^nd 35-39, with a 3:56:22. The Borderland event attracted many runners from sister city Juarez, Mexico. One of the colorful aid stations was staffed by the Juarez Running Club. 246 athletes finished the marathon.

James McLain won the half-marathon in 1:13:42, just ahead of Anthony Molina 1:13:44. Jose Silva was third in 1:14:11. The three shared the lead throughout much of the race. Cheryl Serena of Las Cruces, NM won the women’s overall title in 1:27:47. Justine Weyers was second in 1:29:34. Sylvia Monroy, 53, was top Masters and third overall in 1:33:30. 1329 finished the half-marathon, including your RG photojournalists Karen Mitchell and Clay Shaw. All the races, which also included a 5K, finished in the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball stadium.

Marathon

Men

2:54:36 Francisco Corona MEX
2:55:26 Pancho Corona MEX
2:57:43 Pawel Ruszniak POL
2:59:32 Brant Lutz (43) NM
3:09:37 Matt Kerr

Women

3:29:18 Jennifer Liechti TX
3:44:02 Eva Michalak (44)
3:45:49 Kelli Cubeta (40)
3:46:32 Jaclyn Fike-Taveras
3:46:55 Katie Wiederholt

Half Marathon

Men

1:13:42 James McLain
1:13:44 Anthony Molina
1:14:11 Jose Silva
1:16:56 Mateo Goddard
1:19:11 Babiker Babiker

Women

1:27:47 Cheryl Serena
1:29:34 Justine Weyers
1:33:30 Sylvia Monroy (53)
1:38:58 Christina Ramirez
1:39:00 Danielle Chavarria

Twin brothers Pancho Corona (2:55:26) on left, and Francisco Corona (2:54:36) on right were second and first in the El Paso Marathon. The brothers are from Mexico.