Samuel Wanjiru pulled away over the final miles Sunday to become the first Kenyan to win an Olympic marathon.

Wanjiru stormed the 26.2-mile course through the Beijing streets in bright morning sunshine in an Olympic record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, 32 seconds.

"In Kenya we have many medals," Wanjiru said, "but I'm glad I have this one."

Against all expectations a clear blue sky greeted the final day of the games.

The women's marathon was run in a light rain; air quality posed no problems for the runners.

Just the third marathon for the 21-year-old Wanjiru, who set the world half-marathon record at age 18, then broke it twice again last year.

Two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco took silver in 2:07:16. Ethiopian Tsegay Kebede bronze in 2:10:00. Ethiopian Deriba Merga led much of the race but faded badly for fourth.

Labels: hlaf marathon record olympic gold winner beijing wanjiru

posted by Admin  # Sunday, August 24, 2008 0 Comments