Ansberry Wins

Tom Ansberry and Nikki Rafie both qualified for the U.S. Olympic marathon trials with their victories in the 24th Portland Marathon Sunday morning.

Ansberry, 32, of Portland won the 26.2-mile race in his second attempt at the marathon. Rafie, 33, of Tigard claimed the women’s title after several runner-up finishes.

“I’ve been second, I’ve been fourth, I’ve been eighth - I’ve been everywhere,” Rafie said after crossing the line in two hours, 48 minutes and 12 seconds.

Ansberry, one of the nation’s premier 10,000-meter runners, finished in 2:19:01.

About 5,600 people ran the course through North Portland and back.

Runners followed the Willamette River north, climbed over the St. Johns Bridge and finished in the shadow of the Justice Center on the sunny, cool morning.