In an impressive feat, Maickel Melamed of Venezuela finished the Chicago Marathon after almost 17 hours. While the average time for marathoners is around one fifth of that time, Melamed, 38, has muscular dystrophy.
Around 1:30 a.m., he crossed the finish line surrounded by supporters. He told WMAQ, “My message is if you dream it, make it happen. Your life is the most beautiful thing that could happen to you. Make the best with that, and share the best of that.”
After not being expected to survive when he was born, this is his third marathon. He also speaks three languages and has a degree in economics.
The record for the course was broken by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya, who finished the 26.2 miles in 2:3:45. Rita Jeptoo, also of Kenya, won for the women with a time of 2:19:57.