by Larry Eder
LINET MASAI WINS
NEW YORK (USA, Jun 11): World champion at 10 000 m Linet Masai
dominated the 40th edition of the NYRR Mini-10-K overwhelming a star-studded
field that included twelve Olympians and six world championship medalists. Informs
Race Results Weekly. Breaking the tape in 31:40, a full 29 seconds ahead of
second place, Masai earned her second Mini title, collecting the $10,000 the
first place check in the process. Next up for Masai is the Kenyan Trials for
the IAAF World Championships on July 15 and 16, where she plans to run the
5000m. But if it was Masai’s choice, she would double in the 5000m and 10,000m.
“In Kenya,
they don’t allow anyone to double. If they allowed it, I would do it,” said the
very shy Masai. In second, Aheza Kiros prevailed in 32:09, just one second
ahead of Belainesh Gebre. Rounding out the top-five were Edna Kiplagat (32:24)
and Emily Chebet (32:31).
Magdalena Lewy Boulet, 2011 NYRR Mini, photo by PhotoRun.net
The first American finisher was Magdalena Lewy
Boulet, tenth in 33:09. Returning for the first time since giving birth to
daughter Piper in February was American record holder in the marathon, Deena
Kastor. Knowingly not in the best racing shape, Kastor was pleased with her
finish in 25th place in 35:00.
Deena Kastor, 2011 NYRR Mini, photo by PhotoRun.net
The biggest surprise of the day was Liliya
Shobukhova. The reigning World Marathon Majors champion and runner-up at
April’s Virgin London Marathon finished 28th in 35:31, more than three minutes
behind Masai. Shobukhova never played a major factor in the race.
7,000
women ran the 40th anniversary of the NYRR Mini Marathon, which started
as the Bonne Bell Mini Marathon. I was lucky enough (thanks Richard
Finn,Mary Wittenberg, David Monte) to view the race from the press
truck, and it was a tremendous race. Linet Masai went out in 16:04 for
5k, then ran 15:25, and floated the entire time! She is a stunning
runner to watch, little wasted motion, and her stride is that of a
milers!
Linet Masai, 2011 NYRR Mini, photo by PhotoRun.net
Masai won in 31:40. And she looked superb. Lilya Shobukhova had a rough one. One of the top two women marathoners in the world, London & Chicago champion, spent the week as a tourist with her family and a bit over 35 minutes realizing that she can not win every day.
The race was to honor the late Grete Waitz, who had died in April 2011. Jack Waitz, her husband became the first official man to finish the mini-marathon. Grete Waitz, World champion, World cross country champion, nine time ING NYCM marathon champion, spent her life championing women’s sports by her racing and her support. Jack Waitz finished the 10k today, supported by friends and family, celebrating the sport that Grete Waitz loved so much!
Jack Waitz and friends, 2011 NYRR Mini, photo by PhotoRun.net
