Kenyan wins Mumbai Marathon 2009
In the first major international sporting event in the metropolis Mumbai after the November 26, 2008 terror attacks that shook the citizens of the country’s financial capital, the Mumbai Marathon 2009 kickstarted on Sunday (January 18) from the famous Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Kenneth Mugara set a new course record to win the men’s title of the marathon, as Kenya swept the first three places. Mugara finished the race in 2 hours 11 minutes and 51 seconds ahead of compatriots David Tarus (2 hours 12 minutes and 2 seconds) and two time winner John Kelai (2 hours 12 minutes and 23 seconds). The earlier record timing of 2 hours 12 minutes and 3 seconds was set by Kenya’s Daniel Rono in 2006.
The corresponding women’s crown was clinched by Ethiopia’s Haille Kebebush in 2 hours 34 minutes and 8 seconds. Her compatriot Martha Marcos came second in 2:34:15 while last year’s winner Irene Mogaka got the third place clocking 2:37:28.
Ram Singh Yadav made it three-in-a-row among Indian men by clocking 2:18:03 which gave the Army Sports Institute (Pune) runner the overall 11th position. He won Rs one lakh for his effort.
Deep Chand, a half-marathoner-turned-full marathoner, came second among Indian men in 2:26:01 (overall 21st) while another ASI runner Narender Singh was third in 2:26:41 (overall 23rd).
The winners of the half marathon were Surender Singh and Kavita Raut. The 6km stretch of the dream run bagged the maximum participation, with an estimated 21,000 runners.
The winner of the men’s and women’s full marathon would be richer by USD 31,500 while the second-placed runner would pick up USD 20,500. The tenth finisher would take home USD 3000.
The men’s and women’s half marathons, which started 50 minutes before the full marathon, have attracted 10,000 athletes which include 280 from abroad. The prize money for half marathoners ranges from USD 1150 (winners) to USD 400 (fifth-placers).
Besides, there are also cash incentives for veteran runners in various categories. The top Indian finisher in both men and women would be richer by USD 2500 and prizes have been earmarked for the top five home country participants.
The 250,000 USD prize money event saw 150 elite foreign athletes, including 52 women, taking part in the full marathon that has attracted 2500 entrants.
A quality field, led by two-time men’s champion John Kelei of Kenya, assembled in Mumbai to vie for the top honours in the race that started at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and will end at the same venue after the athletes touch another site of the terror strike - the Trident Hotel - on their way.
The Mumbai Police and Traffic Police, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the state government, Indian Navy and other agencies were actively involved to make the event safe and successful.
The route for the race was more or less the same as last year’s with the runners negotiating the Kemp’s Corner flyover twice - the toughest part of the otherwise flat course.
Three private hospitals situated along the route - Jaslok, Hinduja and Leelavati - provided medical assistance to the runners in case of emergencies.
Besides, there were celebrities gracing the occasion and the list includes three-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter Gail Devers, former India hockey skipper Dhanraj Pillay and Bollywood actors John Abraham and Rahul Bose and model Milind Soman, among others.
Millions of rupees was raised for various charitable purposes through the Dream Runs and Corporate Challenges and there would be events for those on wheel chairs too.
The National Liver Foundation, along with the Amby Valley City Limited, would promote the cause of organ donation at the mega event
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