The
feats of Noah Kemei, 30, and Christine Kambua Muyana, 27, gold
medallists in the male and female categories respectively, proved
Kenyans are used to winning marathons despite all odds.
“This is
my first marathon in India and it is really cold out here. I have
participated in many countries…. the Netherlands, France, Italy,
Germany…. but this is difficult because of the hilly terrain,” Kemei
said after his victory at the event organised in association with The Telegraph.
The temperature was around 5 degrees Celsius when the event started around 8.30am.
The
21km half-marathon was flagged off from Sukhiapokhri by Jinson Johnson,
gold medallist in the 1,500-metre category at 2018 Asian Games, along
with Manoj Verma, IG, Darjeeling and Akhilesh Chaturvedi, SP,
Darjeeling.
The biggest marathon in town, with total prize money of more than Rs 7 lakh, drew 3500-odd participants.
“The
atmosphere was great, though I had problems with the cold and the
terrain. During the last uphill stretch, I thought of my training in the
hilly areas of Kenya and this helped me push forward,” said Muyana who,
like compatriot Kemei, took home Rs 1.5 lakh.
The top three
finishers among women were neck and neck till Ghoom, 10km from the
finishing line, before the Kenyan darted ahead. “The competitors were
strong,” said Muyana.
The pack of three, included Kanchhi Maya
Koju, an Olympian who had represented Nepal in the 1,500-metre 2004
Athens Olympics, securing 19th position. Koju was the defending champion
in the women’s category.
“I was down with typhoid a month back
but I decided to participate thinking of last year’s results. After a
stretch, I realised I would be come third and concentrated on securing
the position,” Koju said.
If Kenyans dazzled in the open category,
Kalimpong came out with flying colours among local participants, with
the runners from the district occupying the top three spots.
There was much support for the event. Hundreds lined up along the route to cheer the runners, a scene that struck Johnson.
“One
must always pursue one’s talent. Some are good in art, some in singing
and other fields. Everyone has a talent and family support is important.
I believe people in the hills can be good athletes. Even we go to hilly
areas for training once a year,” said Johnson.
If Johnson
stressed on family support, Nisha Sherpa from Sukhiapokhri set an
example: she was there at the starting line to cheer for her 11 year-old
son Rikden.
The run was not only about winning. It was enlivened
by dollops of glitz, fun and music with Swastima Khadka, a popular
actress from Nepal, adding the glamour quotient.
The Telegraph
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