African athletes in forefront again

MUMBAI: Defending champion John Kelai of Kenya and Ethiopian Mulu Seboka emerged triumphant among men and women respectively in the fifth edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.

Kelei clocked two hours, 12 minutes and 22 seconds to finish just ahead of Ethiopias Tariku Jiffar (2:12.27) and Kenyas Phileman Boit (2:12.34), who were second and third respectively, to clinch the men's crown for the second year running.

Seboka came home in two hours, 30 minutes and three seconds and was followed by Kenyan rivals Mogaka Irene (2:32:50) and Margaret Karie (2:33:55) in the women's 42-km race.

"I waited for the last mile and then I gave it all, I knew if I maintained the same pace I would succeed in winning."

The wins in both the races was equally satisfying and I am really happy that I made it two in a row," said Kelai after his superb win.

India's Ram Singh Yadav, who finished tenth by clocking 2:18:23, bettering his previous years performance, also earned a berth for the Beijing Olympics with his fine display in generally cool conditions.

Binning Lynkhoi (2:24.49) and Narendra Singh (2:25.30) finished second and third respectively among India's men competitors.

The Indian women's contingent lagged behind throughout and, unlike Ram Singh, none made a mark.

Devi Pashotlemia clocked 3:02:28, which was half an hour behind the international athletes' time, to be the best Indian woman finisher in the full marathon.