media_artricles :: 2014

Kenyans Kimaiyo, Kigen claim Marathon titles

IT WAS another Kenyan domination in the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon with Hilary Kimaiyo claiming the title among the men and Leah Kigen winning the women’s race which took place from the St Mary’s Junction in Freeport to the White Hall in Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Kimaiyo disposed of the large field to win in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds ahead of another Kenyan Mark Chepes (2:24.09) with defending champ Juan Carlos Cardona of Colombia forced to settle for third in 2:26.51. Kimaiyo was more than eight minutes shy of the course record (2:15.30) which was set by Pamenos Ballyntine of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Veteran Cantius Thomas was the first the Trinidad and Tobago runner to cross the finish line in a time of 2:55.54 ahead of Dexter Kawhai (2:56.36). Former winner Curtis Cox was 10th (3:08.47).

Meanwhile Leah Kigen was the first female to finish the 26.2 mile race. Kigen who claimed the win in the event last year after the original winner Mary Akor was stripped of the title after being tested positive from drug use, clocked three hours, 01 minute and 13 seconds.

Kigen’s winning time was close to ten minutes slower than her 2013 effort (2:52.30). Canadian Karen Downey took the second spot (3:23.11) while Areita Martin of Jamaica was third (3:31.19).

Wendy Shallow was the top local (3:50.08), as she defeated last year’s third place finisher Christine Regis (3:51.57). In spite of Kigen’s triumph however she was well off the course record of 2:43:17 which was set by Gitte Karlshoej of Denmark.

After the race Kigen said she was elated with her triumph and grateful for the overnight rains before the race. “I am feeling good. It was nice because for the rain. I was expected to run 2:50 to 2:55 but it was hot and humid. Last year was more competitive because there was another Kenyan (in the race).”

She explained that she ran alone for the first three mile mark and followed the male competitors. She said that because her training had been sidelined by injuries she could have done much better.

KImaiyo said he was confident of victory. “I knew I could win as I ran 2:08 before. The problem is that it was very rainy and humid. But maybe it was good for me to win in these conditions. The 32-year-old added that he had some challenges in the race. “I had some stomach problems and had to go to the bathroom three times during the race. However I am looking forward to returning next year to run again. I hope they invite me back next year.” Meanwhile Tonya Nero won her third straight Trinidad and Tobago International Half Marathon at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Nero clocked 1 hour 20 minutes and 25 seconds (1:20.25) to finish the 13.1 mile race which ended in front of White Hall. The 25 year old ran most of the race unchallenged and crossed the line more than 15 minutes ahead of another local Celine Lestrade (1:35.04) and Christina Laurent of Guadeloupe (135.32).

Nero’s performance was significant as she said she was feeling ill before the race which left her throwing up the finish. The Wichita State University graduate also finished fifth overall. Guyana’s Kelvin Johnson took the men’s half marathon in 1:15:17 and lead a 1-2 finish for his country as he beating compatriot and defending champion Lionel Dandrade into second (1:17.23). Elvis Turner (1:17.58) was the first local, taking third spot ahead of the Tobago Falcons team-mate Kade Sobers (1:20.05), who was second in 2013.

Nero said she was happy with the victory. “It was a really good race today. It was cool (conditions to run in). Nero added that she gave a greater effort his year.. “I trained harder this year. Last year I had a knee injury and was not training as much.” The Maracas resident further said she paced her race with the male competitors. “I ran with the guys and I keep going and pass some too. My coach (Paul Voisin) was on a bicycle with me which helped me.? She added that that she was pleased with her third win. “I think I did a good job compared with the other years. My winning time (1:20.25) is really a good time as times given the weather and road conditions. I usually do not run as run locally when compared when I race overseas.”

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