FEET OF ENDURANCE
Thousands of runners hit the streets at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon on Sunday, a record-breaking day for the race. Kenyan runners won both the men’s and women’s races, while a Calgarian cowboyed-up to set a unique world record.
Third time was indeed a charm for Daniel Kipkoech.
“I’m so happy because my main goal was to win,” the fleet-footed Kenyan said. “I’ve come here two times and I’ve never won it. This year I said let me go for it, this is my year. From the start, I put my mind to it.”
With his mind and his legs in perfect sync, Kipkoech claimed the 2017 Calgary Marathon men’s title on a picture-perfect Sunday. The 30-year-old, now living in Lethbridge, finished the 42-kilometre course in a time of 2:22:33, nearly six minutes ahead of runner-up, fellow Kenyan and defending champion Jonathan Kipchirchir Chesoo.
“It was so spectacular,” said Kipkoech, who previously took part in 2014 and 2015. “It was cool, no wind, and the temperature was good. Perfect for running.
“I knew that from let’s say 12k all the way from there, there was a slope there, a bit of a hill, But I was prepared for it through hard training, up hills. I was ready for this course.”
Kipkoech will now take a break before preparing for his next marathon, probably in Toronto in the fall.
The top female on the day was another Kenyan, Gladys Jepkechei Tarus, who set a course record 2:42:15. Tarus, a scant 36 seconds ahead of Caroline Kiptoo of Guadeloupe, was helped into a wheelchair after crossing the finish and needed some medical attention. She was unavailable for a comment due to her limited English.
Tarus’ feat wasn’t the only record set on the sunny morning. Decked in Western wear, Calgary’s Justin Kurek ran the fastest marathon ever in a cowboy outfit, finishing the course in 2:42:17, the sixth quickest men’s time. The previous record was held by Rik Bercoe, who set the distinguished mark at the London Marathon in 2014.
Kurek, cowboy hat still plastered to his head after his race, explained his reasons for running in this getup.
“There are two: it’s Canada 150 themed today and I wanted to do something to represent our city,” the 36-year-old Calgarian said. “I was looking at the record book and I thought a cowboy marathon in the Stampede City. That record belongs in Calgary.
“And the second reason was raising money for the Doris Rowland NanoKnife Fund. My brother-inlaw’s mother passed away this winter from pancreatic cancer so we’re raising awareness and money for the fund to treat pancreatic tumours. That was huge in my motivation today.”
The brilliant sunshine was maybe too brilliant given his excess clothing.
“It was so hot, so hot,” said Kurek, a former two-time 50k ultra champ. “I have a leather vest and suede chaps on and it was so hot. I could feel it about halfway through. My legs were fatigued, I was sweating so much.
“I’m retiring this (outfit). I’m going to put it right on the finish line and it’s staying there.”
Another featured event was the 150k race, in honour of Canada’s birthday, which was started by 75 solo runners. Dave Proctor of Okotoks crossed that finish line ahead of all others to thunderous applause from the Stampede Park grandstand crowd.
“This really was a test and everything worked out perfectly according to plan,” said the 36-year-old, whose race began at 10 p.m. on Saturday night and finished 12:18:42 later. “By the time I got to the 50k start, after the 100k, I had about 40 minutes so at that point I ate, had a coffee and was able to relax and get ready for the last 50.
“It’s a challenge. Why not? Whoever said 150k is far? It’s all in the mindset. If someone had said that to Einstein, he would never have done what he did. If someone had said that to Michael Phelps, he never would have swam the way he swam.”
This was great training for July 1 in Belfast, where Proctor will represent Canada in the annual 24hour running championship. Last year at the worlds in Torino, he ran 257 kilometres and finished sixth.
“I feel a lot fitter and a lot more prepared,” he said. “I think I can approach the 270k mark and that should definitely put me in the top three, if not winning it outright. That’s my goal.”
The half-marathon winners on Sunday were Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge (1:06:27) and Rachel Hannah of Guelph (1:17:16). Roughly 12,000 competitors also took part in the 50K, 10k, 5k and kids’ runs.
I’ve come here two times and I’ve never won it. This year I said let me go for it, this is my year. From the start, I put my mind to it.