Posted: June 12, 2006

Athletics: Kenyans Take Top Three Positions In Edinburgh Marathon

Kenyan Joseph Mutungu Mbithi won the fourth Edinburgh Marathon today on his debut British Marathon. Despite the high temperatures, the Kenyan finished the race in 2.15.46.

Mbithi pulled clear of his Kenyan team mates at the 17 mile mark. John Muilsa Kioka finished in second place 39 seconds behind Mbithi (2.16.28). Jonothon Kipsaina took third place in 02.17.01.

Mbithi, whose biggest win was the Eurasia Istanbul Marathon in October last year said: "There was cheering and I enjoyed it, especially along the sea. The course was very good, it was hilly and I was a little afraid of it so I pulled away on my own after 17 miles. Now I know the course and hope God willing I can come back next year."

4200 marathon runners started the race with 4250 relay runners, split into 850 teams, taking part in the team relay event. Over fifty countries in total were represented. (Exact numbers of marathon finishers still not complete as some are still on course)

Geoff Sims, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Marathon said: " Edinburgh deserves to have a world class marathon and though this event is only in its fourth year it has the potential to be a major sporting occasion and one that can attract increasing numbers of elite runners. All the ingredients are in place and we will work hard with existing and new partners and sponsors to ensure that the event continues to grow."

"Today's event has been a great success despite the hot temperatures which made it extremely tough and uncomfortable for runners. We took additional precautions such as upping the amount of water available to ensure that there would be more than enough water should it be required. The runners have reported a great atmosphere along the way with an estimated 100,000 spectators lining the route showing the popularity and belief in the event. The event would not be a success without the 900 volunteers who assisted today."

Despite the heat, casualty numbers were low and less than last year. 72 runners required medical assistance of some kind with five runners being hospitalised, with two runners conditions being described as more serious but not life threatening.

The women's race had a surprise win with Scot Angela Howe, taking the top spot from the favourite, Kenyan, Monica Kibet. Angela finished with a new personal best of 2.51.41. The 35 year-old from Dumfriesshire had run in seven marathons and is the curator for the British Golf Museum in St Andrews. Sharon Daw took second place with a time of 3.08.36 and Michelle Tham from Portobello took third place with a time of 3.11.27.

Ron Hill, the official starter and former Commonwealth Games and European Championship gold medallist, commented: "Princes Street provides a very impressive new starting point for the marathon and the course itself is fantastic with so many major landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Edinburgh Marathon has got great potential to become a super marathon behind London."

Ron still holds the record for the faster time run in Scotland for the marathon with a time of 2.09.28 set during the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

The first ever wheelchair race was won by British Champion Kenny Herriot (1.48.36). Herriot, who lives in Aberdeen but is originally from Edinburgh, said: "I feel like I've done ten rounds with Mike Tyson it is a really tough course due to the uneven surfaces. It's a great training session though for the World Championships which are in Holland in September."

The team relay was won in 2.32.41 by the 9977 team with second place going to Aberdeen University Athletics Club at 2.33.05 and in third place Derbyshire Police AC at 2.42.02. The 'Sikhs in the City' Team, led by the world's oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh who is 95, returned this year. The combined age of the team is 400, with the youngest member being 75. They completed the course in 4.43.33.

The event generates around £1.8 million for Edinburgh's local economy with independent researching showing that each runner brings on an average three supporters who stay for several nights. Over 150 charities will benefit from the £2 million raised by runners bringing the total money raised since 2003 to £6 million.

The Edinburgh Marathon receives funding from EventScotland, The City of Edinburgh Council and sportscotland. New sponsors for this year are Highland Spring, sports wear company, Newline and Coolbillboards.com. Existing sponsors are Lucozade Sport and Edinburgh Evening News.

A Channel 5 TV package will air an extended highlights programme the week following the race on Thursday 22nd June.

For further information, visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com.

Comment on this story.

Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest