Front, Bicyclist races against the clock in Court House. Dr. Mark E. Ott, wins Ocean Drive Marathon and does hand stand to celebrate Front photo by Al Campbell, Left by Harry B. Scheeler Jr.

CAPE MAY -- The 10th annual running of the Ocean Drive Marathon began March 30 under brilliant sun and chilly temperatures. At the same time, in Court House 135 bicyclists suited up and hit the road on the fairly straight race course.
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Dr. Mark E. Ott, Ph.D.,35, a professor of chemistry from Jackson, MI drove over 700 miles to take part in the Ocean Drive Marathon, running away with his first win ever.

Ott won first place in the marathon with a 2:56 time.

“I’ve been doing marathons for about two years, this is my first win of my entire life, of any distance in any race” said Ott.

Ott describes the course. “It was a beautiful course along the ocean, but the wind 15-20 mph in your face the whole way wasn’t fun”.

Liam Condor (40) of Beijing, China took second place
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Ben Lloyd (36) of New York City took third place

Laure Kelly (27) of Hamberg, was the first female over the finish line.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS OF OCEAN DRIVE MARATHON

Also at 8 a.m., the first Cape May Time Trial Bike Race was held on Court House-Dennisvile Road.
There, 135 bicyclists from Team Somerset Bicycle Club and Morey’s Piers participated in anevent of the New Jersey Bicycle Association 2008 Time Trial cup.

The cyclists were among the best in the state and rode for points which will count toward this multi race, season long competition, featuring four local junior riders from Middle Township riding for Team Somerset.

For those interested in getting a start in bicycle racing, Team Somerset and Morey’s Piers will present a second race, “Back to the Cape Time Trial,” which will be held on April 26.

Riders must pre-register at www.bikereg.com. This race will not be part of the cup, and will have fewer riders, making it a great race for any rider junior or adult.