As the race developed in perfect weather conditions, the number of runners setting fast marks was almost unbelievable.

Greg Meyer, Ron Tabb, Benji Durden, Dan Schlesinger and many others set a blistering pace—and held it to the finish.

At 7 a.m., in a slight rain with mild heat, the runners took off from Fort Benjamin Harrison and wound through the streets of the American heartland city as the day warmed.

Azócar pushed, but had significant trouble and, along with American Ric Sayre and Puerto Rican Eduardo Maldonado, dropped out before reaching the finish line in front of the crowds at the Indiana University Stadium.

The finish was ironic: after being chased down by a Mexican competitor in 1983's Pan American Games marathon, Azócar was battling from behind against a Mexican—this time Rodolfo Gomez.

Azócar opened up a one-minute lead by the time he crossed the line in Duluth's Canal Park to the cheers of the sweating crowd.

Years later, Pedro Mora followed Acozár's path to Duluth, with hopes to make the Olympic team for the London games.