It took Kamworor courage to win title

Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor of Kenya celebrates winning the Men's Half Marathon during the IAAF/Al-Bank World Half Marathon Championships on March 29, 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. PHOTO | IAAF

What you need to know:

  • Kamworor has said he knew he had a big battle at hand especially when he was pushed and fell on both knees at the start.
  • Kamworor thanked his teammates, especially Bedan Karoki who won silver, for the great teamwork and support despite the challenges.
  • Peris Jepchirchir 22, needed the last 50m to claim her first major silverware, brushing aside compatriot Cynthia Limo in 1:07:31 to triumph.
  • Kenya retained the women’s team title as the men reclaimed the crown they lost to Eritrea two year ago in Copenhagen.

Geoffrey Kamworor has said it took great courage, strong mind, self-belief and confidence from him to retain his World Half Marathon title under adverse weather conditions on Saturday in Cardiff, Wales.

Kamworor has said he knew he had a big battle at hand especially when he was pushed and fell on both knees at the start.

“I knew things were not going to be good after the fall since I had to cover quite a distance, chasing the rest of the pack,” Kamworor said. “There was that voice in me telling me never to give up…the little prayer before I left for the race helped and I thank God for remaining faithful.”

Kamworor thanked his teammates, especially Bedan Karoki who won silver, for the great teamwork and support despite the challenges.

“I want to thank the almighty God, the management, coaches and fellow athletes for the support,” Kamworor said. “I can’t forget messages of encouragement and prayers from my family, friends and Kenyans.”

Kamworor, the World Cross-country champion and World 10,000m silver medallist, recovered from a nasty fall at the start and endured heavy downpour towards end to retain his title in 59 minutes and 10 seconds.

Kamworor’s time was just a second slower that his Championship record he registered in Copenhagen two years ago. Just like at the 2015 World Cross Country and 2016 National Cross, Kamworor condemned Karoki to silver in 59:36. 

“Karoki has been more than a friend to me, always advising us to work together as a team. It really worked and we managed to beat Mo Farah,” said Kamworor. “We are happy and more is to come.”

Team Kenya arrives aboard Emirate Airlines at 2.30pm on Monday.

Kamworor, 23, said the victory in Cardiff gives him the momentum he requires ahead of the national trials for the Rio Olympic Games due in August.

Kamworor said he intends to double up in 10,000m and 5,000m races when the national trials for the Olympics go down June 29 to July 2 at Kasarani.

“I think I am strong enough to do that,” said Kamworor, who will start his Diamond League season in Shanghai on May 14 with the 5,000m race.  Farah won both the 5,000m and 10,000m gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics. He also won the two races at the 2013 and 2015 World Championships.

Peris Jepchirchir 22, needed the last 50m to claim her first major silverware, brushing aside compatriot Cynthia Limo in 1:07:31 to triumph. Limo settled for silver three seconds off the pace as the 2014 World Half silver medallist Marcy Wacera got for bronze this time around in 1:07:54.

Kenya retained the women’s team title as the men reclaimed the crown they lost to Eritrea two year ago in Copenhagen.

Athletics Kenya treasurer David Miano, who congratulated the team said a grand reception awaits the team upon arrival. “I congratulate the team on behalf of the federation for ruling the world again,” said Miano.