Peruvian athlete Gladys Tejeda captured the gold medal and set a new record in women’s marathon today at 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.
The marathon runner finished first in a time of 2:33:03, breaking the Games record of 2:36:37 held by Brazilian Adriana da Silva in Guadalajara 2011.
Despite initial expectations were focused on Peruvian Ines Melchor –who had to pull out of the marathon– Tejeda remained firm and started to emerge at 19 km, gaining significant advantage over her competitors.
Tejeda fell to her knees –excited rather than tired– after she had crossed the finish line.
Brazilian da Silva was second with a time of 2:35:40.
It should be noted Peruvian Ines Melchor had to withdraw from the race at the 25 km mark because of a muscle fatigue, according to local media.
This is the second gold medal Peru obtains at the Toronto Pan American Games.