Russia`s Liliya Shobukhova has claimed the women`s title the Chicago Marathon to become the race`s first champion of either sex to win three consecutive titles.

Shobukhova kept pace with the women`s elite runners early in the race before she started to break away.

She built a massive lead over her top competitors clocking in at two hours, 18 minutes, 20 seconds, around four minutes ahead of runner-up Ejegayehu Dibaba of Ethiopia.

Consequently the Russian almost secured an Olympic berth. Her country`s federation will select its team based on the two fastest times posted between September 1 and the end of the year.

In the men`s event, Moses Mosop of Kenya won in a course-record two hours, 5 minutes and 37 seconds, leaving behind countrymen Wesley Korir and Bernard Kipyego.

Mosop and Shobukhova each claimed a winning prize of $100,000. Mosop earned another $50,000 for breaking the course record, while Shobukhova earned an additional $40,000 for finishing in a time under two hours and 20 minutes.
sections: Sport