Philip Kemei supported by volunteers after winning the Mombasa International Marathon (© Omulo Okoth)
Mombasa, KenyaPhilip Kimei, a 33yearold upstart from upcountry Kenya, realised a life long dream by winning the Mombasa International Marathon on Sunday (14) in a new course record under pouring rain as Kenya Army Service woman, Jane Wandahi won the women’s race in 2:39:53.
All the four top finishers in the men's race ran inside the old record of last year of 2:12:08 while the race itself suffered poor turnout but after Kimei's record, the future of the meeting held at sea level looks bright.
Kemei, 36th in last year's Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, also posted the fastest time ever on Kenyan soil of 2:11:06 after beating heavy odds especially the weather.
He could have easily dipped a sub 2:10 had the rain which delayed the start of competition by two hours made most sections of the course especially the Moi Avenue thoroughfare impassable. Many runners suffered injuries after falling into open man holes.
This was the direct opposite of hot and humid conditions of last year which resulted to several athletes being taken to hospital due to dehydration.
Said Kimei who has no international experience to his credit: “I am quite encouraged by the win which to me is a surprise after trailing for a better part of the race."
"But I must say this is the beginning of better things to come in my athletics career."
Kimei who travelled by bus from his high altitude home area of Kitale, some 600km upcountry, arriving a day before competition, showed a lot of experience in his running.
He stayed with the leading park of Michael Misoi, Joel Sitoti and Julius Kiprotich who were leading the race until the 40km mark when he decided to attack.
Kimei was followed home by Misoi in 2:11:08, Saitoti (2:11:35) and John Maiwa (2:11:49). The only loser in this last minute rallying was Kiprotich who moved from the lead to fifth with 2km to go.
He said:“ I believe it was lack of tactics that cost me the race being my first time ever to participate in a championships of this magnitude and hope to improve my performance at a later stage.”
A new set of winners emerged in the women's race with Wandahi who was having men back markers for company sliced almost 10 seconds from the 2:49:30 of last year.
She was followed by Monica Cherop (2:44:45) and Mary Cheptoo (2:59:08).
Results:
Men -
1. Philip Kimei (individual) 2:11:06
2. Michael Misoi (Individual) 2:11:08
3. Joel Saitoti(GSU) 2:11:35
4. John Maiwa (individual) 2:11:49
5. Julius Kiprotich (GSU) 2:12:45
6. Elias Kipchirchir (Air Force) 2:13:02
7. Peter Kemboi (individual) 2:13:16
8.Joseph Maina (Individual) 2:14:06
9. Mbithi Lawrence (Machakos) 2:14:39
10. Moses Munyiri (Individual) 2:15:59
Women:
1. Jane Wandahi (Kahawa) 2:39:53
2. Monica Cherop (Individual) 2:44:45
3. Mary Cheptoo (Nike) 2:59:08
Peter Njenga (Daily Nation) for the IAAF
