Kenyans Dominate 42K Marathon

by Maureen Dietrich on 2 Dec 13
mazmessenger.com

Mexican runner Karina Peréz was triumphant in the women’s elite category.

Once again this year, the men’s 42k Pacifico Marathon was dominated by Kenyan runners who took first, second and third place in the elite category. Benjamin Kiplimo, Stephen Mburi and Festus Kioko crossed the finish line with times of 2:19:18, 2:20:28 and 2:24:13 respectively. Mexican runners Abraham Vargas and Román Arroyo placed fourth and fifth.

However, that was not the case in the women’s elite category where Karina Pérez of Tlaxcala, Mexico won with a time of 2:40:55, followed by Kenyan Ruth Chepckoech at 2:44:51 and Misha Ruiz of Michoacán with 2:46:14.

Kenyans took first, second and third place in the elite 42k marathon.

Speaking yesterday to reporters at the marathon which has been sponsored by Pacifico beer for fifteen years, Sinaloa Governor Mario López Valdez said the recent sale of Grupo Modelo to Belgian conglomerate Anheuser-Busch InBev will not affect the marathon nor Mazatlán’s annual Carnival. Pacifico brewery of Grupo Modelo is the primary sponsor of both events.

López Valdez told reporters he had spoken with representatives of Pacifico and they will continue to be strong supporters of both annual events.

However, he advised that along with the change in ownership will come a revision of the costs of Grupo Modelo which owns soccer and baseball teams, including Mazatlán’s AAA baseball team, the Venados.
He was assured by representatives of the beer company that they will continue to sponsor sports events.

This year’s marathon increased registration from 12,000 to 12,500 runners, who together with their friends and families brought an economic bonanza to the city’s restaurants and hotels which registered a 100 percent occupancy rate for the two day event.

(from Noroeste)