Washington, 5 November 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Romanian long distance runner Anuta Catuna beat a favored racer from Kenya to win the 46 kilometer New York City marathon in just over two hours.
Catuna surprised experts Sunday when she defeated two-time champion Tegla Loroupe to win the race, $40,000, including a $10,000 bonus, and a new car. She finished fourth behind Loroupe two years ago.
Yesterday, Catuna covered the 46.16-kilometer distance through the five New York City boroughs in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 18 seconds. The men's victor was Giacomo Leone of Italy who finished in 2 hours, nine minutes and 54 seconds.
Nearly 30,000 runners participated in the 27th New York Marathon.