This is the highlights of the presser of the women’s Doha WC marathon. We had fallen asleep an hour before, so we are most grateful that the IAAF and LOC Media stayed up.
The battle is on, photo by PhotoRun.net
Press Conference Highlights: Women’s Marathon
Comments from Doha 2019 World Championship medallists Ruth Chepngetich (KEN), Rose Chelimo (BRN) and Helalia Joahnnes (NAM) after the women’s marathon at the Corniche on 27/28 September.
Ruth Chepnegetich, gold medal, WC Doha, photo by PhotoRun.net
Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) – gold
On how she coped with the hot conditions:
“The race was tough but I didn’t give up. I couldn’t let it out of my mind that I could be the winner.
“I only used water. I forced myself to drink it and also used the sponge to help make me cooler.”
On who advises her about training:
“I train with a group of men and women. It’s a marathon team. And we have been working hard so that we can manage in races like this.
“My coach was giving us a programme and we were doing it without any problem. We are a very disciplined group. It was hard but now I am a winner.”
On how she felt during the race:
“At one point it felt tough but I made up my mind not to give up. I just wanted it so much because I worked for it in training.”
Rose Chelimo, silver, photo by PhotoRun.net
Rose Chelimo (BRN) – silver
On whether the race should have been held in such hot conditions:
“I think the way they planned it, it was OK. They decided to hold it at night because it was too hot during the day.
“It was still very hot and at one point it came into my mind to stop. But I kept going and prayed that I could finish the race.
“I saw some other competitors had stopped but I was near the front and trying my best to keep going.”
On which point in the race she felt like stopping:
“Towards the last lap, from about 37km. That was where it was very tough. My body was not still moving well, but I tried my best.”
On how she stayed hydrated during the race:
“I had to drink a lot because of the weather which were too hot. I had to take a lot of water and some of the other drinks.”
Helenes Johannes takes bronze, photo by PhotoRun.net
Helalia Johannes (NAM) – bronze
On the conditions:
“The race was not very easy because of the weather and I can’t say I enjoyed it. I just tried my best because in my mind I had a song saying I must keep going until I finish the event.”
On how she prepared to cope with the weather:
“During the race I drank a lot because I was afraid of being dehydrated. I made sure I didn’t miss any water points.”
