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News18 Feb 2008


Fukuoka and Kum-ok win Asian Marathon title in Hong Kong

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Japan’s Koichiro Fukuoka and Korea’s Kim Kum-ok were the winners of the men’s and women’s races at the 2008 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon which this year also doubled as the 11th Asian Marathon Championships in Hong Kong on Sunday (17).

In the final series of four races dubbed the Greatest Race on Earth, Kenya claimed a clean sweep of victory in both the men’s and women’s races.

MEN- Fukuoka breaks Kenyan dominance

In the men’s race, Fukuoka ended years of Kenyan dominance of the race with victory in 2:16.50. The Japanese runner finished more than two minutes ahead of second placed Kenyan Cyprian Kiogora.

But there was a big piece of consolation for Kiogora who led the Kenyan team to the team title in the final of the Greatest Race on Earth series of races.

WOMEN - Koreans cross line holding hands

The women’s race was more closely fought affair between the Korean duo of Kim Kum-ok and Jong Yong-ok right until the end.

But rather than out sprint each other in the race to finish line, the duo crossed the finish line together. Both were timed 2:36.40 at the end, but Kum-ok was finally credited the victory by just a second.

Anne Jepkemboi Kosgei of the Kenyan B team finished in fourth overall to ensure her team’s overall victory in the women’s race of the Greatest Race on Earth series.

“I found the race very tough but I enjoyed it,” Kosgei told race organizers. “The people along the way cheered us on so we got all their support right from the start to the finish, which I was very grateful for. I am really happy for my team and my team-mates to have won this great event.”

Elshadai Negash for the IAAF

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