DELANEY FASTEST LOCAL BOSTON FINISHER BOSTON MARATHON

The 2009 Boston Marathon was run Monday morning with 23,162 competitors

starting the race.

African runners dominated the race, taking 10 of the top 11 places.

Ethiopian Deriba Merga won in 2:08:42. Former Montgomery star Sara ''Bei''

Hall's husband Ryan Hall was the top American in third at 2:09:40. The Halls

now reside in Mammoth Lakes.

Petaluma's John Delaney was the fastest local entry placing 5,563th overall

in 3:24:04.

On the women's side, Kenya's Salina Kosgei won in 2:32:16. Oregon's Kara

Goucher was the top American in third at 2:32:25.

Santa Rosa's Tracy Byrnes led the local women placing 2,649 among women in

3:40:47.

Three Empire runners placed in the top 40 for their divisions:

* Forestville's Rhonda Provost placed 33rd in the 60-64 division in

4:10:31;

* Sonoma's Janet Cain finished 35th in 55-59 group in 3:54:01;

* Santa Rosa's Bob Frazer was 38th in 65-69 group in 3:53:45.