Being a four-time winner of the Boston and New York City marathons made Bill Rodgers a legendary figure in American distance running.
It entitles him to celebrity status at races throughout the country. He made appearances in all of the events of this weekend's Palm Beaches Marathon Festival and held the finish line tape for marathon winner Ronnie Holassie. But being a living legend earned him no favors in Sunday's half marathon.
"I raced one woman for two or three miles. She was tough as nails," Rodgers said. "I was surging, giving it everything I had. It was like the Boston Marathon. I finally put the white flag up. In the end, she beat me."
He faired better against the other men in the 60-64 age group, winning in 1 hour, 39 minutes, 39 seconds. It was the third fastest half marathon of the year for Rodgers, 62, who has run about 30 races in 2010.
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