Mutai Impresses in Boston 10km

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Chris Mbaisi

28 June 2011

Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai won the inaugural BAA 10K on Sunday (26) in 27:19, marking his second victory in Boston since April when he won the Boston Marathon in 2:03:02, the fastest time ever run. The 29-year-old separated from the field after half-way, dropping a 4:18 mile to leave Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam and another Kenyan, Sam Chelanga, behind. Gebremariam wound up second in 28:11, while Moses Mosop finished third in 28:29. Chelanga, running in his professional debut, finished fourth in 28:31.

Mutai may have been inspired for such a performance after finding out last night that his wife gave birth to their second child, a yet-to-be-named baby girl. As is Kenyan tradition, Mutai and his wife will decide on a name for their child in the coming days, once he returns home.

The women’s race also saw a Boston Marathon champion come out on top. Caroline Kilel of Kenya broke from New Zealand’s Kim Smith early on and broke the tape in 31:58. After the race, Kilel said she loves Boston, as well as the race course. In its first year, the race boasted 3040 finishers.

Elsewhere, Kenya’s Moses Mosop, the debut marathon record holder, today announced he will run the 2011 Chicago Marathon, with an aim of improving upon his historic first marathon.

Mosop’s time of 2:03:06 at the 2011 Boston Marathon is the fastest marathon ever run by a first-timer and the second fastest marathon in history. After taking a course tour in Chicago with Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski, Mosop believes he can capitalise on Chicago’s flat and fast route and energetic neighborhoods to run even faster in his second attempt at the marathon distance on October 9.

Mosop’s Boston time broke the previous debut record of 2:05:50 set by Kenya’s Evans Rutto at the 2003 Chicago Marathon. Mosop’s performance ranks as the second-fastest marathon all-time behind fellow Kenyan and 2011 Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai’s 2:03:02.

“I was very pleased with my performance at the Boston Marathon, especially since it was my first marathon. In my second marathon, I want to run even faster,” said Mosop. “I feel Chicago Marathon is where I have the best opportunity to do that. I like the course, I feel strong in my training and I am looking forward to coming back to Chicago for this great event.”

Mosop recently set a new 30-kilometer world record at the Prefontaine Classic track meet in Eugene, Oregon. His time of 1:26:47 was more than two minutes faster than the previous record set in 1981 by Japan’s Toshihiko Seko, the 1986 Chicago Marathon champion. Prior to running his debut marathon, Mosop was a 2004 Olympian in the 10,000 meters. He won the bronze medal in the 10,000 at the 2005 World Track & Field Championships, and a silver medal at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships.

RESULTS

Men:

1. Geoffrey Mutai (Ken) 27:19

2. Gebre Gebremariam (Eth) 28:11

3. Moses Mosop (Ken) 28:29

4. Samuel Chelanga (Ken) 28:31

5. Samuel Ndereba (Ken) 29:01

6. Shawn Forrest (Aus) 29:10

7. Simon Ndirangu (Ken) 29:30

8. Joseph Chirlee (Ken) 29:37

9. Elkanah Kibet (Ken) 30:13

10. Timothy Ritchie (USA) 30:26

Women:

1. Caroline Kilel (Ken) 31:58

2. Kim Smith (NZL) 32:06

3. Misiker Demissie (Eth) 33:08

4. Heather Cappello (USA) 33:32

5. Benita Willis (USA) 34:11

6. Katie Dicamillo (USA) 34:26

7. Jennifer Campbell (USA) 35:42

8. Caroline Bjune (USA) 36:08

9. Trina Painter (USA) 36:13

10. Mary Kate Champagne (USA) 36:38

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