Marathons

BOSTON - After decades with the marathon world to itself, the Boston Athletic Association watched races in other cities begin offering prize money and appearance fees and flatter, easier courses that attracted the top talent.

HOUSTON - A group of human rights advocates with a booth critical of the Chevron Houston Marathon's title sponsor was expelled from the marathon expo Friday for painting the company "in a negative light." Steven Karpas, the managing director of the Houston Marathon Committee, said runners from Rainforest Action Network were setting up a booth with "very anti-Chevron placards and pamphlets that absolutely painted Chevron in a negative light," so he had them booted from the expo.

Democratic senator says health care bill 'on life support' after Obama fails to break logjam WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's health care appeal failed to break the congressional gridlock Thursday, dimming hopes for millions of uninsured Americans.