Latvian takes women’s title

NEW YORK – Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia pulled away from struggling Kenyan Susan Chepkemei re-entering Central Park and won the New York City Marathon by 14 seconds Sunday, grabbing a record prize of $130,000.

Prokopcuka, who fell behind by 17 seconds with about 5 miles left in the race, rallied to catch the leaders and then passed Chepkemei on their first time through the park. Chepkemei, who was stumbling and spitting up, managed to hold on for second place for the third time in New York.

Prokopcuka (pronounced Pro-kop-CHU-ka) had never won a major marathon before, though she was fifth in her New York debut last year. Her winning time was 2 hours, 24 minutes, 41 seconds.