Kenyan Kimutai Win River Kawi HAlf Marathon
Kenyan Hillary Kimutai captured his second win in Thailand after he crossed the line first in the 21km King’s Cup FB Battery River Kwai Half Marathon Thailand Championship in Kanchanaburi yesterday.
The 29-year-old marathoner who celebrated his earlier win in the Kingdom in a Khon Kaen mini marathon timed 1.11.41 hours to win the men’s open.
“I always run well everywhere. I just finished fifth in a full marathon in Malaysia. I used this event as a preparation for my next event in Bangsaen (half marathon) next week. I need to win more,” said Kimutai.
However as a foreigner is not eligible for the honorable trophy of the late King Bhumibol according to the tournament rules, Sutat Kallayanakitti as the best Thai finisher earned the trophy with the record of 1.13.49 hours.
Sutat and Linda
“It’s such an hour for me and family to hold this honorable trophy. This is national half marathon event. I had been training hard for it,” Sutat said.
In the women’s open category, 23-year-old Linda Jantachit from Nong Khai won the King’s trophy by timing 1.29.08 hours.
“My aunt just signed me in for this marathon and I didn’t even expect to finish the run. But the cozy atmosphere in Kanchanaburi really helped me to pull it off. I just kept running, not thinking anything and all of a sudden I arrived at the finish line,” said Linda who won two marathon events in Chaiyabhum and Nkhon Ratchasima.
In the 10km mini marathon, another Kenyan Enock Kipchirchir Kigen, a Hat Yai University student, won the trophy with the time of 36.35 minutes.
