While many racing savants figured four time Olympian Colleen De Reuck would run away with the USA Womens Marathon in Minneapolis on Sunday, the 45 year old was no match down the stretch as 20 year old Ilsa Paulson, ran her down in the final few miles and still looked so fresh with the U.S flag draped around her, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon race announcers wondered if she'd be able run the same time heading back to the starting line in Minneapolis. Oregons two time high school cross country champion for Sherwood in 2005 and 2006, Paulson becomes the second youngest woman runner ever to win a major marathon.

This is the 'Coming Out Party' many Oregon running afficiendado's have been waiting for. After leaving Northern Arizona University two years ago, Paulson has been living and training in New York City and Sunday she burst onto the national running scene in spectacular fashion. The Sherwood High School graduate who is still advised and coached by her high school coach Wendell Otto, took $26,500 prize money and more importantly put herself in position to be sponsored by the likes of Nike or adidas in the near future.  

Paulson trailed De Reuck by one minute and forty seconds at the 20 mile mark but kept her within sight. She caught her with three miles and ended up finishing the race in 2:31:49 and a full minute ahead of De Reuck who was attempting to become the oldest racer to ever win a marathon on US soil.  De Reuck did have a small consolation in winning the Women's Masters Title along with the runner-up purse to take home $24,500. 

"Nothing compares to the marathon distance. You just hang in there and grind it out. It felt so good today, especially the last 10 kilometers.* It was also such a blessing to have Colleen De Reuck in the race" said Paulson. (*editors note....doesn't everybody feel great in the final 10km of a marathon!?!?!) 

Paulson now plans to take it easy for a few weeks and then begin training for either the Houston or Phoenix Marathon in 2010. In addition, and more importantly, the time gives Paulson the "A" qualifier to enter the US Olympic Trials for the London Olympics in 2012. 

Ilsa Paulson......the slamdunk "Cipole Athlete of the Week!!!"