Kenyan runner Lawrence Kiptoo Saina raises his arm in victory salute as he prepares to cross the finish line on Beach Road to win the 2012 Pattaya King’s Cup Marathon, Sunday, July 15. Defending champion Kiptoo Saina completed the 42.2km course in a time of 02:22:21.
Kenyan champ defends his crown at Pattaya Marathon 2012
Lawrence Kiptoo Saina of Kenya successfully retained his men’s title at the 2012 Pattaya King’s Cup Marathon, held on the streets of the city early Sunday morning, July 15. The 30-year old Kenyan athlete completed the demanding 42.195 km course in a time of 02:22:21, just over a minute down on his winning time from last year. Saina was followed across the finish line by compatriot Joseph Mwangi Ngare (02:23:18) in second and Ethiopian Husien Mohamined Teman (02:25:24) who took the bronze position.
In a field once more dominated by East African athletes, Thailand’s top finisher was youngster Aumnuay Tongmit who crossed the line a respectable 11th position overall in a time of 02:44:15 to be crowned local champion and the receiver of the men’s King’s Cup trophy.
Kenyan runner Lawrence Kiptoo Saina raises his arm in victory salute as he prepares to cross the finish line on Beach Road to win the 2012 Pattaya King’s Cup Marathon, Sunday, July 15. Defending champion Kiptoo Saina completed the 42.2km course in a time of 02:22:21.
The women’s marathon also saw the African runners to the fore with the top 5 places going to either Kenyan or Ethiopian athletes. Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno was the winner of the event after crossing the tape in 02.42.44, to finish ahead of her fellow Kenyans Jalquline Kiplimo (02:44:56) and Magaret Wangui Njuguna (02:47:01).
Thailand’s Nathayan Thonronawat was the first local lady to complete the course, finishing in 3 hours, 7 minutes, 27 seconds, to join Aumnuay on the podium and collect a King’s Cup trophy.
There was better news for local athletes in the half marathon race (21.1km) which saw Thai runners fill the top 20 positions. First past the post was Jaral Jupao from the men’s 16-19 division who closed out the race in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 29 seconds to finish over a minute up on Umyos Kijudom and third placed Yothin Yaprajan.
On your marks.
The women’s half marathon race was won by Sonthiya Sai-weaw (1:24:00) ahead of Worpan Nuansree (1:27:35) and Kan Khusuwan (1:34:16). Jupao and Sai-weaw both also received King’s Cup trophies for their winning efforts.
Last year’s winner Nathwut Immnum once again triumphed in the men’s quarter marathon race, winning in a time of 36 minutes 56 seconds, while the female title went to Berhan Bekele Desta from Ethiopia (45:26).
There were a total of 17 participants in the wheelchair marathon which was won in a fast time of 1:36:48 by Thailand’s Prawar Wahoram who will go on to represent the Kingdom at the Paralympics in London later this year. The runner-up in the event was Raewat Tana in 01:37:51, a full 6 minutes up on third placed Khajornsak Thumsophon.
Young Thai lady Cholthida Janphet headed the students 3.5km race, completing the course in just over 12 minutes, while the boys race ended in a photo finish with Phuripat Boramun just getting the nod on the line.
The 21st Pattaya King’s Cup Marathon once again saw thousands of athletes take to the streets of Pattaya at 4 a.m. Sunday morning to not only test themselves in this ultimate physical and mental challenge but also to enjoy the camaraderie and support of their fellow runners. Judging by the smiles of joy, relief and pride on the faces of the finishers, we can safely say that this year’s Pattaya Marathon can be chalked down once again as a great success.
Thailand’s top two marathon finishes, Aumnuay Tongmit and Nathayan Thonronawat with their King’s Cup trophies.
Pattaya Marathon winner Lawrence Kiptoo Saina.
Women’s champ Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno receives her trophy from Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunplome.
Nathwut Immnum won the quarter marathon event.
Athletes line up at the start on Pattaya Beach Road.
