This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
Kenyan Champion Warns Men's Marathon Runners of Doha's Punishing Heat ¶
As the men's marathon takes centre stage in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday night, Ruth Chepng'etich, the newly crowned World Women's 10,000 meters champion, has a passionate appeal for the participants: 'Stay home until it's time for you to race.'
Chepng'etich, who clocked 2:32:43 to be crowned the new world champion, defeated Rose Chelimo of Bahrain and Helalia Johannes of Namibia to take the top spot.
She advised the men's marathon runners to come to Doha a day before their race, citing the punishing heat, which reached as high as 32C with humidity over 70 percent.
28 out of the 68 starters withdrew from the race due to the grueling conditions, a good reason for Kenyan head coach, Julius Kirwa, to defend his position to leave some athletes at home.
‘We have our own plans as team Kenya to make sure athletes arrive here when they are needed, these conditions are harsh, and we have no reason to punish them,’ Kirwa added.
Chepng'etich also expressed her surprise at winning the race, saying, ‘I did not know that I would win it but God is great, am the new world champion despite not being the favourite to win the race today, after 35 kilometres I noticed no one was chasing me so I pushed and I have the fruits.'
