Charles Kamathi (© Getty Images)
In overcast, some times rainy and windy weather Lornah Kiplagat of Kenya ran the fastest 10 Miles ever in the 17th edition of the Dam to Dam race from Amsterdam to Zaandam.
Kiplagat, who is hoping to become a Dutch citizen soon, solo ran an impressive 13 kilometres winning in 50.54. Kiplagat bettered the previous World best of Ireland’s Sonia O'Sullivan. The Irish double European championships silver medallist set the world best of 51.00 only two weeks ago at the Great South Run in Portsmouth, UK.
However, Kiplagat was not able to claim the 25,000 Euro prize which the organizers had offered for a course record. Although Kiplagat ran the fastest Ten Miles ever, the organizers recognize the 50:31 run by Ingrid Kristiansen (October 11th 1987), as the course record, on what is reputed to have been a short course.
Lornah Kiplagat who will now prepare for the New York City Marathon, left her last opponent, Isabella Ochichi, just before 3000m, which she passed in 9.08. She was clocked at 5, 10 and 15 kms in respectively, 15:22, 31:25 and 47:28. Ochichi lost over one and a half minutes on her to finish second in 52.32. A third Kenyan, Edith Masai took third place in 52.45.
The men’s race was also for the greater part a solo effort. Charles Kamathi of Kenya left his last opponent, compatriot Jackson Koech half way and won in 45.08. The 2001 World 10,000m champion was not able to catch Lornah Kiplagat as the women’s field had started 6:41 in front of the men. 6:41 has been the average difference in time between the first woman and man in this race over the last few years.
Kamathi, who was 57 seconds quicker than when he won last year (46:05), was still not fast enough to beat Paul Koech’s 44.46 (still a World best), set here five years ago. However, his 45:08 is still the second fastest time ever run for 10 Miles.
Kamathi and Koech were leading a big group at the beginning but at 5k (13:45) the two were on their own. After 8500m, Kamathi went away from Koech. He passed 10k in 27.50 and 15k in 42.04. The 24-year old Kenyan said afterwards he was very happy with his performance especially after a rather disappointing summer season, which was marred by injuries.
Kamathi thought after his split time at 10k he should have been able to break the Koech’s World best. “I missed the opposition of Jackson Koech from that point. It is a disappointment for me that I couldn’t overtake Lornah Kiplagat.''
Wim Van Hemert for the IAAF
Results
Women
1. Lornah Kiplagat (Ken) 50.54 (worldbest)
2. Isabellah Ochichi (Ken) 52.32
3. Edith Masai (Ken) 52.45
4. Restituta Joseph (Tan) 52.58
5. Caroline Kwambai (Ken) 53.02
6. Helena Prokopchuka (Lat) 53.37
7. Luminita Zaituc (Ger) 53.40
8. Cristina Pomacu (Rum) 53.53
9. Magdeline Chemjor (Ken) 54.53
10. Simone Staicu (Hun) 54.54
Men
1.Charles Kamathi (Ken) 45.08
2. Jackson Koech (Ken) 45.58
3. James Kipketer (Ken) 46.35
4. Philip Singoei (Ken) 46.36
5. Wilson Chelal (Ken) 46.40
6. William Kiplagat (Ken) 47.09
7. Sammy Kipruto (Ken) 47.41
8 Gert Thys (RSA) 47.46
9. Samuel Rongo (Ken) 47.47
10 Jamal Baligha (Mor/Ned) 47.49
