Kenya runners own Sibu Marathon main races
SIBU: Kenyan runners staged a clean sweep of the marathon men’s and women’s races at the inaugural Sibu Marathon 2017 held here yesterday morning.
Hillary Koech Kipkering was first to cross the line in the men’s competition with a time of 2hr 38min 47secs to claim RM4,000.
He was followed by Dennis Isika in 2hr 41:05 and John Waithaka Njihia (2hr 51:35) who pocketed RM3,000 and RM2,000
Men’s Veteran (42km):
respectively.
In the women’s section, the first three were Naum Jepkosgei (3hr 18:49), Valentine Jekemoi Serem (3 hr 29:36) and Mailin Salungin Ripau (3hr 39:26).
About 200 runners ran the full marathon which started at 12 midnight on Friday despite the slight drizzle.
It was flagged off by Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
Koech told thesundaypost that the event was very systematically organised with the flat terrain providing an enjoyable and comfortable run.
The full-time runner, who spoke a little English, said he edged ahead from the pack from the 25km point.
While admitting that he expected to win he was not quite happy with his time as his personal best is 2hr 15min.
It was the first visit here for the 43-year-old who came to know about the event through its website.
His next assigment is the Penang Marathon on Nov 26 which offers RM22,000 for the men’s winner.
He finished fourth there last year and aims to “win something big this time round.”
Koech’s biggest pay cheque thus far was US30,000 for second spot in the 2006 Istanbul Run.
Women’s winner Naum was pleased with the cool and breezy race conditions.
“There is a slight drizzle but, otherwise, the weather is just fine for the marathon runners,” she said.
Meanwhile, the men’s half marathon (21km) provided the real spark for the morning’s proceedings.
Yong Zinn Fei, an athletics coach from Song’s SMK Katibas defied the odds to beat heavy favourite Mohd Feldarus Abdul Rahman, the 27-year-old army personnel from Miri.
Yong hit the finishing tape in 1hr 32min while Feldarus was 20 seconds behind.
Feldarus had been on a high after grabbing six local titles in recent months including the BP Run, the 21km Rotary Run, Ampang Tahun Baru Run, Cats City Marathon Run, Tower Run and Sarawak Day Run held in Miri while Yong had been playing second fiddle on most occasions.
“It was very close and I am so happy that I finally made it this time,” Yong said.
Yong pocketed RM1,500 while Feldarus took home RM1,000.