Samson Kosguei (Ken) (© Paulo Costa)
Lisbon, PortugalSamson Kosguei (2:15:35) was the dominant winner of yesterday’s 17th Lisbon Marathon finishing more then seven minutes ahead of the second place man on the podium - the Portuguese champion Vitor Cordeiro (2:22:38).
The distance between the two runners was already quite large when passing through the 20 km mark, with Kosguei having an advantage of 600m.
Kosguei, who was third in 2001, set a new race record beating the previous mark which his compatriot William Musyoki, who was fifth (2:28:52) yesterday, set in 2001.
"Last year I came to Lisbon very sick and didn't fulfil my goals. But today I was ok and started with a strong victory intention. It was a pity I was alone all the time, but because I felt well I had no problem with that", said Kosguei.
In the women’s race, Fátima Silva took first place in 2:35:07, which in the process secured the Portuguese national title by quite a distance from the second place Hermínia Silva in 2:56:12.
"It was hard because I run the last 20 km all by myself, “said Fátima. “I had problems at the 30 km, but I manage to go on for the victory." Fatima also won the race in 2001.
Korzeniowski promotes Race Walking in Portugal
Robert Korzeniowski, Poland’s Olympic, World and European race walking champion, was also competing for fun yesterday in Lisbon but over the Half Marathon, as apart of a bid to promote international race walking in Portugal. He finished the race in 330th position in 1:40:00, just behind Susana Feitor (329th, 1:39:56), the best Portuguese walker of all-time.
"What a difference between the championship races and the popular races,” the Pole confirmed. "I was walking with Susana, and we talked a lot during the race with Portuguese and French people, which felt great. At the beginning, I surprised some people, but then they recognised me."
Korzeniowski certainly appreciated being in the race. "I enjoy Lisbon very much. The circuit was fast and well marked, I forgot my medals and simple ran for fun. I really felt the atmosphere of a Sunday run. Nevertheless this was the first day of my training for the World Championships in Paris."
Paulo Costa for IAAF
Leading Results
Men:
1 Samson Kosguei KEN 2:15:35
2 Vítor Cordeiro POR 2:22:38
3 Licínio Canhoto POR 2:22:50,
Women:
1 Fátima Silva POR 2:35:07,
2 Annelieke van der Sluijs NED 2:36:53,
3 Natalia Bemdik BLR 2:42:44,