Sports Management company Volare Sports set up a virtual competition on Sunday for their group of Kenyan athletes.
They were instructed to run a half marathon – completely alone – and to then share their recorded effort.
Edwin Kirwa, 40, recorded the fastest time among the men, clocking 1:01:52. Fancy Chemutai, the fourth-fastest performer in history, was the top woman with a run of 1:10:05.
This past weekend should have been the busiest race weekends of the year, filled with road races and marathons, but due to the novel coronavirus, all sports events worldwide have been either cancelled or postponed.
“To keep our athletes on track with training and to still see them race (on distance) we organised a CoronaRun today in Kenya. And the winner at the men’s side is old but gold!” Said Volare Sports in a Facebook post.
“Everyone ran a half marathon, completely alone.
“It was challenging because not every surrounding offers a flat course.
As management, we felt touched by the effort everyone has put today. Some in terrific shape, others joined as training. Everyone added their effort.
“We are deeply hurt inside our hearts by the situation and feel for all our athletes. Nevertheless, the spirit is high and the moods are happy!”
The heavyweight in long-distance running, Kenya boast the men’s world record holder in the men’s marathon. Eliud Kipchoge holds the record with his 2:01:39 he clocked at the Berlin Marathon in 2018.
It’s no secret that Kipchoge has a team of athletes he trains alongside, which has been vital in his record-breaking exploits – but now with COVID-19 safety precautions, it means Kipchoge will spend many hours in training on his own.
“It’s hard to run alone. When you have people around, the pace is OK, you just talk when you are running. You enjoy the run,” said Kipchoge, who hopes to resume serious training by May.
Results:
Men
1. Edwin Kirwa 1:01:52
2. Felix Kandie 1:03:31
3. Mathew Kipsaat 1:03:56
4. Gilbert Masai 1:04:18
5. Leonard Langat 1:04:28
6. Albert Kangogo 1:04:40
7. Edwin Soi 1:04:40
8. Edmond Kipngetich 1:05:11
9. Daniel Kiprotich 1:05:53
10. Willy Ngetich 1:06:16
11. Geoffrey Koech 1:06:17
12. Gilbert Bii 1:06:19
13. Richard Mengich 1:07:12
14. Isaac Kipkemboi 1:07:16
15. Geoffrey Rono 1:07:44
16. Allan Biwott 1:08:28
17. William Wanjiku 1:09:32
18. Mathew Kiptoo 1:09:52
19. Albert Korir 1:13:04
20. Justus Kiprotich 1:21:08
Women
1. Fancy Chemutai 1:10:05
2. Margaret Wangari 1:15:28
3. Gladys Jerono 1:15:43
4. Ruth Chebitok 1:15:59
5. Emmaculate Achol 1:16:53
6. Janet Ruguru 1:16:59
7. Maureen Kiprono 1:21:28
8. Kellen Waithira 1:28:20
9. Lineth Chepkurui 1:38:22
10. Eunice Muchiri 1:47:45
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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