First-timer earns prize

Tatiana Aryasova said her body felt “empty” when she returned from a maternity leave but began to feel stronger a few months ago.

After watching the petite Russian dominate the L.A. Marathon field Sunday, it’s difficult to imagine that she ever faltered.

The first-time marathoner took the lead shortly before the halfway point and wasn’t challenged the rest of the sun-baked course. Her winning time of 2 hours 29 minutes 9 seconds was more than five seconds faster than compatriot Yulia Gromova’s.

Aryasova, known as Tatiana Khmeleva before her marriage, made the most of the 19-minute 38-second head start given to the elite women in an attempt to spice up the competition. She earned a $100,000 bonus for being first to the finish line, $20,000 for winning the women’s division and a car.

Aryasova, who trains part time in Gainesville, Fla., said she didn’t know how she would spend the money. But babies tend to need new shoes often, so some of it will be lavished on her 26-month-old daughter, Ksenia.

“It’s almost like a gamble in the running,” Aryasova said of the challenge feature, “and it’s exciting. It keeps us pushing harder and harder in the race.”

Gromova, 33, said she wasn’t surprised by Aryasova’s success. “I was sure she would win,” Gromova said. “I was surprised I got second.”

-- Helene Elliott