KIMbia Athletics

James loosens up the old hips before heading over to the ramp for some hill sprints.

Tomorrow: The Odd Couple

Stephen Kiogora–better known as Baba to marathon fans–ran a fantastic personal best of 2:08:24 at this morning’s Frankfurt Marathon. Baba finished third, and was part of the three-man lead pack that splintered at about 35K once winner Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot broke away.

In his debut, Cheruiyot (no relation to the World Marathons Major champ) ran 2:07:21. Baba was close behind Wilson Kigen, who ran 2:08:16. (Kigen’s brother Wilfred had won in Frankfurt the previous three years.) Unfortunately, Baba took a nasty fall as he was entering the arena where the indoor finish at Frankfurt occurs.

Ben Maiyo was seventh in a solid 2:09:58. Julius Koskei (James’ brother) was one place back with a nice debut of 2:10:14.

1. Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot (KEN) 2:07:21
2. Wilson Kigen (KEN) 2:08:16
3. Stephen Kiogora (KEN) 2:08:24
4. Philemon Kirwa Tarbei (KEN) 2:08:47
5. Benson Barus (KEN) 2:08:57
6. Japhet Kosgei (KEN) 2:09:24
7. Benjamin Maiyo (KEN) 2:09:58
8. Julius Kibet Koskei (KEN) 2:10:14
9. Vincent Kipsos (KEN) 2:10:23
10. William Kiplagat (KEN) 2:10:53

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James and Boaz are joined by 2:11 Aussie Andrew Leatherby. Is it us, or are there few things in life better than a gentle run with friends in a nice setting in great weather?

Boaz talks about growing up barefoot, making his marathon debut in New York City, training with Brad Hudson and James Carney, and his culinary prowess.

Tomorrow: Res Run 2 (with a non-KIMbia interloper!),

With coach Brad Hudson on hand for support, James performs a series of 10-second hill sprints on a ridiculously steep ramp. This morning’s workout was a 50-minute run to the track, form and flexibility drills, jog to the hill, hill sprints, jog home. That afternoon James ran an 50+ minutes, and the following morning did a session of mile repeats.

Tomorrow: Meet Boaz Cheiboywo

James describes the odd trajectory of his career, from a 5:15 miler in 11th grade and walk-on at Millersville University, to national 20K and half marathon champion and aspiring elite marathoner.

At yesterday’s Dong-A Ilbo Gyeongju Marathon in Gyeongju, Korea, Charles Kibiwott placed third in 2:10:06. (Charles was second in last year’s race.)

Tom Ratcliffe was on hand and files this report:

“I’m not sure if if made a difference, but Charles was leading with 1K to go and followed the press truck straight when the course, and the two guys with him, took a sharp right. He was suddenly 20 meters behind and, although he closed the gap, they surged just as he got back to the lead with about 600 meters remaining and he was gone. John Yuda was with the group of 5 until 35K, but ended up 7th in 2:11:55.”

TOP TEN

1. Sylvester Kimeli Teimet, KEN 2:09:53 PB
2. Yirefu Birhanu, ETH 2:09:56
3. Charles Kibiwott, KEN 2:10:06
4. Samson Barmao, KEN 2:10:22
5. Edwin Komen, KEN 2:11:12
6. Shadrack Kiplagat, KEN 2:11:13
7. John Yuda, TAN 2:11:52
8. Lee Myoung-Ke, KOR 2:16:22
9. Mikhail Khobotov, RUS 2:17:39
10. Min Ji-Hong, KOR 2:18:36

As he did last year, Simon triumphed at Saturday’s TransCanada 10K in Ottawa. Simon ran 29:13 in the Canadian capital to take the national road title.

He reports, “Very windy conditions, hilly course. I didn’t feel great but took the lead from the gun and just hammered. I still have some work to do, but am happy with the win.”

Next month, Simon will be on a Canadian team at an ekiden in Japan.

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Between a 20-minute jog and a session of mile repeats, Boaz and James do enough to exhaust most people.

James and Boaz enjoy an easy hour lope around the Reservoir, and unexpectedly meet some fellow KIMbiaites.