Neuqua Grad Runs 1st Marathon, Ends Up 2nd American To Cross Finish Line

NAPERVILLE, IL — Neuqua Valley Graduate Chris Derrick was the second American to cross the finish line in Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon. At 2 hours, 12 minutes and 50 seconds, he placed 9th overall and 4th in his age group. The 26-year-old now resides in Portland, Oregon, according to marathon race results.

Justin Kmitch took a closer look into Derrick’s victory this week in the Daily Herald. He reports it was Derrick’s first marathon.

The 2008 grad began his running career in Chicago in middle school and has been competing in track and field events ever since. In 2007, he won the state cross-country championship. In the Herald’s article, he thanks his former Neuqua cross-country coach, Paul Vandersteen, for seeing his potential.

Derrick is dedicated to his track club in Portland, and is unsure whether he’ll become a full-time marathon runner. Read Kmitch’s full article here.

(Photo by Paul Beaty/Associated Press)