Despite fighting in the Gaza strip, which is south of the Sea of Galilee,
twenty four countries were represented in the field. The men's race
was won in 2:08:07!
EME NEWS (JAN 8, 2009) FLASH
The fastest marathon of the year 2:08:07
TIBERIAS (ISR, Jan 8): The 32nd Tiberias marathon registered the fastest marathon of the year and first sub 2:10 in the history of the event which started in 1977. Kenyan Jackson Kipkoech who was here third year ago in 2:10:57 won this time in 2:08:07. That is also the best marathon time in the country. The winner will get a special bonus 50 000 USD. Second Leonard Mucheru winner from 2008 and 2007 improved his PB to 2:09:37. Mucheru clocked last year course record 2:10:32. His win in 2007 made for the headlines as he at that time was representing Bahrain. Now he is back as Kenyan. Third Philemon Boit also a PB 2:10:54 and fourth Samson Bungei just missed it by 5 seconds in 2:10:57 (he has 2:10:52 from winning Sevilla last year). Kenya had also the women winner as Irene Kosgei had 2:39:07 ahead of Ethiopian Asrat Addis who improved to 2:42:44. Despite ongoing fighting in the south runners from 22 countries competed at a course around Sea of Galilee, informs www.Haertz.com
Special thanks to Alfons Juck and EME News.
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