Kenyan marathoners failed to live up to the challenge as Ethiopians dominated the women’s marathon race on the penultimate day of the World Athletics Championships at the Heroes Square in Budapest, Hungary.
Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru finished sixth in 2:26:42 as Selly Chepyego followed in the seventh position in 2:27:09. Ethiopia’s Amane Shankule was in a class of her own, winning the race in 2:245.23 despite the hot conditions in Budapest.
Gotytom Gebreslase clocked 2:24:34 to take silver while Moroccan Fatima Gardadi (2:25:17) spoiled what had looked like an Ethiopian party to run away with a surprise bronze. Israel’s Lorna Saltpetre was fourth after clocking 2:25:38.
Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who was in the bronze medal position ended up fifth after struggling in the last 5km.
In an interview, Wajiru admitted that it wasn't easy for her and her team because of the harsh climatic conditions.
" I was forced to slow down at the 36km mark because the hot conditions were too much to take. I had to take it very easy at this point and I am happy I ended up sixth," she noted.
She said while her target was to win the race, the conditions could not allow it.
She asked Kenyans to be patient with the team because they had tried their best. "They branded us the weakest team but this did not dampen their spirit. We have come here and given it our best shot."
She said she would like to make the Olympic team next year and noted that she intends to start her training early.
She said she has not closed her season yet because she will be running a few races in the next few months. " I want to run a half Marathon and two 10km races before the season ends and this will also serve as my build-up for the Olympic Games," she noted.
