Sammy Kipketer en route to his course record at the Uptown 8Km in Dallas (© Victah Sailer)
Under ideal conditions, Kenyan Sammy Kipketer and Alevtina Ivanova of Russia ran to course records at the 20th Uptown Run 8Km.
Hoping to challenge the 22:13 World best in the event, Kipketer opened with a fast 4:18 first mile, with compatriots Abrahim Chebii and Shadrock Kosgei following closely. During the second mile, another 4:18 split, Kipketer broke away from his team Kimbia teammates. When he reached the five kilometre point in 13:46, he had built a two second lead on Chebii, and another two seconds on Kosgei before reaching the line in 22:12, six seconds ahead of Chebii. The previous course record, 22:28.30, was set my another Kenyan, Raymond Yator, in 2004.
"I went out too fast," Kipketer said.
Unlike the early battle in men's contest, Ivanova was never threatened in the women's race, taking a commanding win in 25:16, six seconds under Russian Tatyana Petrova's course record, also set in 2004. More than a minute back in 26:17, Tatiana Chulakh was second. Lyubov Denisova was third in 26:27 to round out a Russian top-three.
Each of the winners earned USD $5000 in prize and incentive bonuses for their efforts.
Victah Sailor for the IAAF
Leading Results -
MEN -
1. Sammy Kipketer, KEN 22:12
2. Abrahim Chebii, KEN 22:18
3. Shadrock Kosgei, KEN 22.29
4. Matt Pulle, USA 27:05
5. Carlos Cortez, USA 28:02
WOMEN -
1. Alvetina Ivanova, RUS 25:16
2. Tatiana Chulakh, RUS 26:17
3. Lyuvbov Denisova, RUS 26:27
4. Rebbi Koech, KEN 26:55
5. Minori Hayakari, JPN 27:21