Louisiana Marathon disqualifies 1st woman to finish race

BATON ROUGE, La. -- The first woman to finish the Louisiana Marathon was disqualified for getting "nutrients and liquids" along the course from somebody who wasn't affiliated with the race.

Race co-founder Danny Bourgeois said Mandy West of St. Louis had been warned runners weren't allowed to receive outside assistance during Sunday's marathon.

The race had 17 aid stations along its 26.2-mile course. Bourgeois said someone on a bicycle brought West nutrition and liquids several times.

Amany Ishaq was declared the race's first female finisher after West's disqualification. West unofficially finished the race in 2 hours, 49 minutes and 26 seconds, more than 18 minutes ahead of Ishaq.

After the race, West said she was trying to qualify for next month's Olympic marathon trials.