ATHLETICS: LONDON MARATHON: MARY KEITANY yesterday became the second-fastest woman to win the London Marathon after Paula Radcliffe in 2003, and in a time that is sure to have piqued the British world-record holder's interest.
The Kenyan, who was running in only her second marathon, won in two hours 19 minutes and 19 seconds, making her the joint-fourth fastest woman of all time over the 26.2 mile distance.
Keitany (29), who already holds the world record for the half marathon, had finished third in her debut over the full distance in New York last year. Yesterday, however, she made a 10-minute improvement on that time to run an impressive race, breaking away from the lead pack after 18 miles and building a lead of 27 seconds. That was stretched to 67 seconds by the end as she finished ahead of defending champion Liliya Shobukhova of Russia.
Everything about the Kenyan’s performance displayed confidence, but when it came to explaining herself Keitany could barely manage a whisper in answer to the media questions. Twiddling a small Kenyan flag between her fingers, the 5ft 3in winner was repeatedly asked to speak up, but despite the microphone she could barely be heard by the front row.
It is perhaps no surprise then that her answers to questions about her ambition and potential were similarly disarming in content. Does she feel confident of her chances of winning Olympic gold next year? Keitany thought for a long time, whispering to her husband beside her for advice.
“Maybe,” she concluded. “Depending if I qualify to go, I will try my level best.”
After her run did she think she can go even faster? Again, a pause. “Maybe,” she replied, “maybe I can run under 2.19.”
Having won €90,000 in prize money she was asked whether she might buy a present for her two-and-a half-year-old son, who had been watching the race back home in Kenya? Yes, she nodded, but she couldn’t say what it would be. “I think she surprised herself in winning,” her agent said later. “So she has not had time to think about what she might buy him.”
Does Keitany think Radcliffe might prove a threat when she makes her competitive comeback in a 10km in Manchester next month? Again there came a very long pause. “Maybe,” was all that Keitany would commit to.
Afterwards the manager of her compatriot Edna Kiplagat, who finished in third place, explained that Keitany’s reticence was not solely down to her personality. In Kenya, where competition for championship places is highly competitive, it is considered deeply disrespectful for an individual to speculate how they might do at a future championships before they have been selected by the federation.
In the men’s race Emmanuel Mutai posted a course record to take the victory in 2:04.40 – the fourth fastest marathon of all time. The 26-year-old Kenyan had finished in second place last year but at 21 miles yesterday he broke away from compatriots Martin Lel and Patrick Makau who, later forced into a sprint finish for the line, were given the identical time of 2:05.45 for second and third place.
Mutai, who took silver at the world championships in 2009, finished 55 seconds ahead of the competition and was delighted with the result. “My dreams have come true because I had it in my mind that one day I would win one of the five major marathons,” he said.
“I was second here and in New York last year, but today has finally come for me.
“My aim was just to win, I was not focusing on the time, but I tried my best to push it when I saw we were inside world-record pace at one stage.
“It was fantastic to win the race and improve my personal best.”
In the men’s wheelchair race England’s David Weir confirmed his name in the record books, winning an unprecedented fifth London title.
“It’s been my aim for the last two years to do it,” said the 31-year-old who last year suffered a puncture to ruin his chances.
“This time I didn’t have any hiccups and it felt great to do it on the same day that marks 500 days to go until the 2012 Paralympics.”
In the women’s event Blackpool’s Shelly Woods could not repeat her 2007 victory and finished second in a sprint finish to Amanda McGrory of the US.
GuardianService
