‘Fortunate’ Bailey Wrecks Car

Donovan Bailey, the world record holder in the 100-meter dash, escaped injury when his out-of-control Mercedes hit a concrete pole, flipped and caught fire, police in Mississauga, Ontario, said.

Peel Regional police said Bailey was driving alone when the single-car accident happened west of Toronto. A passing driver picked up Bailey and drove him home to nearby Oakville.

“He’s a very fortunate man,” said Sgt. Mike Grodzinski of the Peel Regional Police. “The impact was on the passenger side, not the driver’s side.”

Bailey was charged with careless driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. He is due in court Nov. 28.

Darrell General, 31, of Mitchellville, Md., ran the last 14 miles unchallenged and won the 22nd annual U.S. Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds.

In cold and rain, General was content with a victory against the field of 18,350 runners that included Vice President Al Gore. Gore crossed the finish line at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in 4:58:20. General won the race for the second time.

Alejandro Cruz-Maya, 29, of Mexico, finished a distant second at 2:23:25, followed by Patrick Phillips, of Winston-Salem, N.C., at 2:29:55.

Donna Moore, 37, of Kensington, Md., won the women’s race in 2:53:42, followed by Selena Smart, 29, of Washington, D.C., in 2:55:34.