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Feb-17-2006
Pacemaker Wins Dubai Marathon
by Da vid Monti
(c) Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
Joseph Ngeny, a Kenyan who had been contracted to pace today's Standard
Chartered Dubai Marathon, shot ahead in the 27th kilometer and went on to
victory, reports correspondent Pat Butcher.
"I saw the guys were a little bit slow, so I decided to finish," said Ngeny
afterwards. "But the last ten, twelve kilometres were difficult on my own,
and it was a little bit hot here. My other two marathons were in Italy in
October and December, much cooler conditions."
The race had been postponed from Jan. 6 because of the death of ruler Sheikh
Makhtoum, and that meant an increased possibility for warm temperatures.
Indeed, it was downright hot, as the mercury hit 30°C (86°F). Ngeny was
also trying for for Joseph Kahugu's course record of 2:09:33, but that was
impossible under the conditions. His winning time was 2:13:02 and he won
USD 25,000 plus a car.
Giday Amha, who finished third last year, finished second today in 2:14:25.
Kenyan Elias Kemboi was third in 2:15:01.
Former road racing legend of more than ten years ago, Delilah Asiago of
Kenya, won the women's race over pre-race favorite Shitaye Gemechu of
Ethiopia. Asiago, who in 1995 won nearly every major road race in the United
States including the Gasparialla 15-K, Crescent City Classic, Lilac
Bloomsday Run 12-K, Bolder Boulder 10-K, and Bay to Breakers 12-K, won
easily in 2:43:09, leaving Gemechu in the 29th kilometer. Asiago had
finished second here last year, passed in the final 800m when a distressed
stomach overwhelmed her. Gemechu clocked 2:43:34 and Moroccan Kenza Wahbi
got third in 2:48:47. Apparently, Luminita Talpos of Romania was given a
course misdirection and did not make the podium (NOTE: we'll find out more
on this later --Ed.)
Asiago won USD 25,000 for her victory.
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