Posted: June 15, 2005

Athletics: Laban Rotich is a new Cambridge Hero!

The Climax to a tremendous evening of running at the 2005 Cambridge Classic Mile was a stellar performance by Laban Rotich. Strong and steady local runner Wes Alkin brought Rotich through 800 in just under two minutes.

All alone, Rotich stayed on pace on lap three and came through 1200 in three minutes flat. With live R and B music echoing in the background, Rotich was shifting gears on the backstretch. Coming off of the final curve Rotich dug into the depth of his soul and flew down the final stretch like a race horse. 700 people crowded the homestretch giving Laban a narrow, but clear path to the finish. The clock stopped at 3:58 and the crowd erupted.

Laban had two victory laps; one with children and adults as seen in the above picture and the second behind the wheel of his well deserved prize, a 2005 VW GOLF with the Kenyan flag pinned to the hood of the car.

There were many tears and many lifted spirits on this special evening. Prior to Rotich's race, runners of all ages and abilities embraced the 4 lap challenge in a series of one mile races. The 4x400 relays were fantastic and one team consisted of a Grandfather, his grandson, and the young boy's parent's - it doesn't get any better than this!

Laban Rotich loves Canada. He visited local schools and signed hundreds of t-shirts at elementary school track meets. He met the Mayor of Cambridge, ran on our trails for five days, and was hosted by a number of very warm individuals. To have this event in our own community was an honour and a privilege. We were all very lucky to have shared in this meaningful event.

For 2006, we have many exciting ideas. Next year's event will take place on the 2nd Saturday in June. Please plan to join us in the years ahead as we celebrate in the infinite possibility of human achievement.

*JUNE 10, 2006* Laban Rotich would like to return in 2006. *Carmen Douma-Hussar* has also confirmed she would like to take part in the 2006 Cambridge Classic Mile! World Class in Canada - plan to be there next year on Saturday, June 10th

John Carson
Run for Life
www.runforlife.ca.