Hellen Jepkurgat's victory in 2017 was a bit of a surprise to the Skechers Performance LA Marathon. It also might tell you a bit about the elite marathon coordinator, Matthew Turnbull. It should also tell you that Matthew has respect of the various managers and agents, as he can work with them to bring their promising marathoners to this promising marathon.
Hellen Jepkurgat, BAA Half, 2015, photo by PhotoRun.net
Helen's trip to the City of Angels, was, well, circuitous. There may have been some issues with flights, perhaps a visa, and perhaps, Helen traveling halfway around the world.
But, Helen Jepkurgat had come to race, and race, dear readers, she did. At 23 kilometers, Helen moved to the front, and sensing a weakness in her competitors, Hellen moved away, taking her first marathon victory in LA in 2017. In June 2017, Hellen took her second victory, at Grandma's Marathon. Now, back in the City of Angels, Hellen Jepkurgat is here to defend her title and set a new PB (she's hoping for 2:26 to 2:28).
Here is my interview with the promising young Kenyan marathoner. The women's field should be pretty competitive tomorrow.
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