Chronicle Editor
Geshom Nyathi
THERE was an injury concern for Zimbabwe’s long distance athlete Isaac Mpofu when he finished 19th at the Boston Marathon in the United States of America on Monday.
Mpofu ran against the odds of an injury and unfavourable conditions to finish a disappointing 19th in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 8 seconds.
Zimbabwe’s national marathon record holder had an immediate medical check-up after the race but he was quickly on the mend. Mpofu’s injury was unclear although he had a hamstring problem, which may have re-surfaced. The tough course and intermittent rains also provided a setback for Mpofu and many other competitors who are not used to those kind of conditions.
Results of Zimbabwean-USA-based runner, Pardon Ndlovu, could not be immediately ascertained as the organisers released the top 20 results. Kenya’s Evans Chebet retained the men’s marathon title, recording 2hrs 5mins 4s. Chebet produced a good kick in the closing stages overpowering Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay and fellow country man Benson Kipruto into second and third position respectively.
Pre-race favourite and world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge struggled and finished way back in sixth place in 2hrs 9mins 23s. The highly decorated athlete faded badly after the 32km mark. Kipchoge was hoping to add a Boston Marathon victory to his extraordinary running resume. The 38-year-old has won two Olympic gold medals and four of the six major marathons.
Online Reporter