Laguna Niguel Man Wins OC Marathon

Kevin Havel, a 23-year-old Laguna Niguel resident, was the men's winner in Sunday's OC Marathon, which was preceded by a moment of silence for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Havel completed the 26-mile, 385-yard course from the Fashion Island shopping center in Newport Beach to the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 34 seconds, more than 2 minutes ahead of runner-up Mohamed Fadil of Albuquerque, N.M.

Kimberly O'Donnell, a 23-year-old Santa Cruz resident sporting a "Boston Strong" sign on her back, topped the women's field at 2:47:13. Ieng Klukken, a 41-year-old from Huntington Beach, was second among the women in 3:09:52.

About 2,250 runners from 45 states and 21 nations entered the marathon, including 13 who ran the Boston Marathon.

Security for the Southern California's first marathon since the April 15 bombings was strengthened, race publicist Mike Kingsbury said. A special weapons team and bomb squad were present.

All participants were required to use clear, draw-string bags (provided by organizers) for storing their personal items, and no unattended bags were allowed at the start or finish line areas or along the course, Kingsbury said.

Logos for the Boston Marathon and The One Fund, which benefits the victims of the bombings, were at the starting and finish lines.

Several running clubs, groups, families and individuals wore "Runners for Boston," "Boston Finisher," "Boston Strong," Boston Red Sox and similar themed T-shirts and headwear.

About 11,500 runners entered the half-marathon and 2,000 ran the 5-kilometer course, Kingsbury said.

-- City News Service