by Justin Lagat
Recho Kosgei, photo from Volare Management
Here’s more on the story of marathoner Recho Kosgei, who collapsed just prior to finish of Warsaw marathon.
Some reassuring information after the sad video of Recho Kosgei collapsing at the Warsaw Marathon came out
The 24th of September was a memorable day in the history of marathon running as Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono survived hard weather conditions to emerge as winners at the 44th Berlin Marathon.
It wasn’t a good day though for Kenenisa Bekele and Wilson Kipsang who were some of the pre-race favorites but had to drop out of the race just after the 30km mark. However, with the world record remaining intact, it should have given some solace to Kipsang’s management, the Volare Sports Management, since Dennis Kimetto still has the record in their management.
But, another of Volare Sport’s athletes soon made headlines across the world after a dramatic and sad video of her trying to keep on running as she swayed from one side of the road to the other before finally collapsing so close to the finish line at the Warsaw marathon emerged.
Recho Kosgei collapsed within the last kilometer of the race as she was on her way to a seemingly clear victory and a personal best. She was over three minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Bekelu Beji who was following her in second position.
To any runner who has ever run a marathon, it was a very moving video to watch. But, the good news is that some reassuring information has come out from Kosgei’s management. That Kosgei is now recovering well and is already back in Kenya.
“We have been in contact with the organization about this matter, they have taken care of Recho in their best way possible,” said her management. “We know the personal situation of Recho very well. At this point we are doing our outmost best to help Recho on this matter and hope we can help her recover the prize money that she was to win. Recho has arrived Kenya well and in good health. Her determination and focus is what we admire. She is smiling again and already eager for good things to come.”
According to her management, Recho had had a very good build up in the preparation. Her training showed she was able to run 2:28-2:29. They said that Recho is an experienced marathon runner and made small steps and improved very well in Barcelona earlier this year where she set her PB time to 2:30:09. But, during the race, Recho allegedly missed her bottles at the 30, 35 and 40km marks.
‘I felt very strong the whole race. I don’t remember what happened at that point. When I see myself on the video I just know I really wanted to get up and keep going. It was a torture. I saw the Ethiopan lady passing me and knew the game was over. But I thank God I am healthy. I was taken to the hospital and they took good care of me. I could travel home the next day,’ said Kosgei.
An almost similar fate befell Joshua Cheptegei during the world cross country championships in Uganda. Cheptegei came back strong and won the silver medal in the men’s 10,000m at London IAAF world championships. Hopefully, Kosgei will be back soon to amend for what just happened to her in Warsaw.
