Peter Njenga for the IAAF
1 February 2002 - Nairobi, Kenya - Winning in Kenya irrespective of the level of
competition is usually a wonderful learning experience for an athlete aspiring for greater
things like Julius Kimutai, winner of today’s running of the annual Armed Forces 30km,
road race held in the streets of an exclusive suburb in the capital Nairobi.
Kimutai, second behind Paul Tergat in the British Great North Run last year, overcame varying weather conditions ranging from early morning humidity to dust and wind that took a great toll on the athletes, to win in 1 hour 34 minutes 27 seconds.
The 26-year-old athlete who trains at high altitude Embu, traditionally the national cross country residential camp, punched the air in victory and announced he will compete in the Boston Marathon next April.
“The heat was too much too much to bear but it was also windy especially on the way back along Karen Road,” said Kimutai who notched several victories in the British road racing circuit last year.
“Nairobi’s high altitude did not affect me but I was careful not to risk the dehydration I suffered in the New York Marathon last year.” The race, which was held in the Langata and Karen suburbs (adjacent to the Karen Blixen Museum of “Out of Africa” fame) attracted a record 235 athletes, 19 more than last year.
Debutant Joseph Mutungi finished nine seconds behind Kimutai, with Stephen Ndungu third in 1:34.44.
But the fate of women’s event remained hanging on the balance after winner Lucy Wangui was accused of taking a short cut. But Wangui, sixth in last year’s Bangkok Marathon, said she was following an official ambulance thereby naturally following them.
Leading results:
1. Julius Kimutai, 1:37.27;
2.Joseph Mutunga, 1:34.36;
3. Stephen Ndung’u, 1:34.44;
4. Peter Ndabo, 1:34.57;
5. Peter Kamau, 1:35.09;
6.Joseph Rop, 1:35.16;
7. John Maundu, 1:35.23;
8.Zablon Mokaya, 1:35.26;
9. Stephen Arika, 1:35.27;
10. Agustus Kavutu, 1:35.56;
11. David Kimutai, 1:36.02;
12. Benson Mutisya, 1:36.32;
13. Patrick Kaage, 1:37.08;
14. John Rono, 1:37.21;
15. Robert Gachuiri, 1:37.26;
16. Joseph Kahogo, 1:37.35;
17. Bruce Lati, 1:37.46;
18. Benson Osoro, 1:37.51;
19. Aron Tarus, 1:37.53;
20. Robert Ngano 1:38.08.
