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SIBU: Foreigners from Kenya, Africa and Belgium were impressed by the route and planning for the ‘13th Edition of the Jubilee Park Sarawak Health Marathon 2013’.
The marathon, jointly organised by Kelab Sukan Marathon Extreme, Sibu and Sibu Municipal Council, attracted more than 1,000 runners locally and from around the world.
Full-time marathon runner from Kenya, Africa, David Chepkwony who is champion in the men’s open said yesterday after the run: “I really enjoyed participating in this event as it was very well organised – meaning all participants reached the finishing line safely with broad smiles, eventhough most of them did not make it to the top positions. The people are friendly and I look forward to coming back for the next edition.”
David, 35, was impressed with the route that gave a good view of the countryside.
“I started joining the marathon in 2007 in Italy. From there, I evolved as a fulltime marathon runner having run in Singapore, Phillipine, Thailand and now Sarawak,” he said.
At No. 2 (men’s open) was another Kenyan who is also a fulltime marathon runner, Ezekiel Ruto who said the marathon had potential to attract more runners from around the globe.
“Put it on the world map for more international runners to come and the organiser might consider increasing the running distance,” Ezekiel said.
The 21-year-old who started running at the age of 17 has participated in marathons held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, France, Italy and Taiwan.
“I make a career out of marathons so I aim for the top places. I save some of the prize money to travel to other countries to participate,” he said.
Third placed (men’s open), Simion Ruto, also from Kenya, was happy with the safety provided by the local traffic police and Rela members. The 35-year-old also looks forward to returning.
“Like other sports, regular training is important. I wake up at 5am to run for one-and-a-half hours then a 15-minute training session at 5pm, due to the evening heat,” Simion revealed.
The businessman has been participating in marathons in Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Philippine and Indonesia.
“Marathons prevent me from getting obese while maintaining my fitness,” he said.
A competitor from Belgium in 10th place, John Lonhienne said: “I enjoyed myself. The local runners are competitive, but very friendly after the run is over. This is the wonderful part of the run here. Eventhough I did not make it to the top, I am happy to meet the wonderful local people and international marathon runners from Kenya, Africa.”
The 32-year-old, who has been teaching at theTunku Putra International School in Kuching for the past eight years, hopes to take part in next year’s run.
The Kenyan and Belgium runners said to stay fit and healthy for the marathon, one should abstain from alcohol and smoking; and eat food low in cholesterol and fat.