Geoffrey Mutai, although unofficially the planet’s fastest marathoner, failed to break the world record today in Berlin. He was actually chasing after his compatriot Patrick Makau Musyoki’s 2:03:38
official world record. The good news for Kenya is that he led a Kenyan clean sweep in the men’s race by breasting the tape in a world-leading 2:04:15. It is his first marathon victory of the season.
“I had the chance to break the world record but after 35km, I had stomach cramps and I decided to maintain the pace. I thank God for winning this race and it was possible to break the world record but I
tried even though I could not move,” Mutai told reporters after the race. Mutai has a personal best time of 2:03:02 for Boston performance last year and he is still the fastest runner ever to complete the 42km distance, although unofficially.
Dennis Kimetto (2:04:16) and the World Cross junior champion Geoffrey Kipsang
(2:06:12) came in second and third position for the race.
“I was not expecting to finish close to him since I knew I could not
beat him but I’m delighted with today’s performance and in future, I
will compete for the world record,” Kimetto told reporters through translators.
In the women's section, Ethiopia’s Aberu Kebede won the corresponding women’s race
with 2:20:30.
LEADING RESULTS (Kenyan unless stated)
MEN
1. Geoffrey Mutai 2:04:15
2. Dennis Kimetto 2:04:16
3. Geoffrey Kipsang 2:06:12
4. Nicholas Kamakya 2:08:28
5. Josphat Keiyo 2:08:41
6. Jonathan Maiyo 2:09:19
7. Eliud Kiptanui 2:09:59
8. Felix Keny 2:10:22
9. Masakazu Fujiwara 2:11:31/JAP
10. Suehiro Ishikawa 2:11:46/JAP
WOMEN
1. Aberu Kebede 2:20:30/ETH
2. Tirfi Tsegay 2:21:19/ETH
3. Olena Shurhno 2:23:32/UKR
4. Filomena Chepchirchir 2:24:56
5. Fate Tola 2:25:14/ETH
6. Alevtina Biktimirova 2:28:45/RUS
7. Caroline Chepkwony 2:30:34
8. Anna Hahner 2:30:37/GER
9. Sonia Samuels 2:30:56/GBR
10. Degefa Biruktayit 2:33:27/ETH
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
