Wilson Chebet Wins 2:05:26 Duel in Rotterdam
By David Monti
April 10, 2011
(c) 2011 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
NOTE: All times are unofficial. We will have a complete report from Wim Van Hemert later today --Ed.
In tight, two-way races, Kenyans Wilson Chebet and Philes Ongori won
today's ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam in sunny, humid, and slightly warm
conditions.
Chebet, and compatriot Vincent Kipruto, were the only two men left after
an aggressive early pace --just under world record schedule through 20
kilometers-- shattered the field. After the last pacemaker dropped at
35 kilometers, Chebet and Kipruto ran side by side, holding a more
moderate 3:00/kilometer pace. At 41.5 kilometers, Chebet accelerated,
and Kipruto was unable to respond. Chebet was able to coast to victory
on the Coolsingel, stopping the clock in a personal best and
world-leading 2:05:26 (unofficial) to get the win. Kipruto finished six
seconds back.
No other men broke 2:08 in Rotterdam today. Third place went to
Ethiopian Chala Dechase in 2:08:47, followed by Eliud Kiptanui
(2:09:07).
The women's contest played out in a similar fashion. Ongori, making her
marathon debut, followed Dutchwoman Hilda Kibet and a male pacemaker
closely throughout the entire course. The pair stayed together through
40 km (2:17:00), then seconds later Ongori made her move for victory.
Kibet could not pick up her pace, allowing Ongori to pull away for the
win in 2:24:19 (unofficial) to Kibet's 2:24:26. Kibet had to be
pleased, however, with her two-minute personal best.
Unfortunately, a male competitor interfered with Ongori's line to the
finish tape. Officials motioned for him to get out of the way, but he
threw up his arms and ran through the women's finish tape, ruining the
finish photo.
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