Penang Bridge International Marathon 2007 News # 2

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KENYANS SWEEP TOP POSITIONS AT PENANG BRIDGE MARATHON
~ By Ng Su-Ann & Priscilla Dielenberg


African power: A group of African runners leading the Penang Bridge Marathon yesterday. The top three winners were Kenyans.

It was his first trip out of Kenya, not to mention competing in his first overseas marathon. Sammy Kiprop Kiptoo even borrowed money for his flight ticket here. But it was a blaze of glory for the 25-year-old farmer and four of his comrades as they swept the top positions at the Penang Bridge Marathon 2007. Kiptoo's time of 2'26:00s broke the previous record (2'27:23s) set in 2002 by Thailand's Boonchoo Jandacha.

The others who followed behind were Patrick Kiprono Rotich (2'28:42s), Christopher Rono Chumo (2'29:22s), Geoffrey Rono Chumo (2'29:38s) and Daniel Kipkemei Koringo (2'30:45s). "I've never stepped outside Kenya before. I'd love to take part in international marathons but it is difficult to find sponsors," said Kiptoo. "I had to borrow money from a friend for my air ticket here. Now, I can pay him back with my prize money (RM6,000)," he said with a laugh. He said running had been his passion for the past eight years as it made him feel "free as a bird." "I run 53km between 5am and 10am daily," he said, adding that he hoped to take part in the bridge run again next year.

Rotich, 27, had good reason to rejoice over his silver medal – the full-time athlete missed out last year's marathon because he arrived at the venue 10 minutes late. Rotich said he had to reduce his pace after about 39km yesterday because he was not used to the "hot and hard base." "Back in Kenya, the altitude is higher and the temperature there is only about 18°C," said Rotich, who had been a runner for the past 10 years. Third-placed Chumo, 33, said he was used to the climate here because he trained during early mornings in Thailand.

Kenyan High Commissioner to Malaysia David Gachoki Njoka was pleased with the achievements. "There are at least 25 Kenyans here. Kenyans love Penang. The marathon here is well organised, the people are nice, and the food is good," said Njoka.

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