Loyanai Smashes Gyeongju Marathon CR

He defended his title in the South Korean race.

Last weekend, Kenyan Wilson Loyanai triumphed in the Dong-A Ilbo Gyeongju International Marathon. His winning time, 2:06:46, completely obliterated Ethiopian Yemane Tsegay’s previous course record by over two minutes.

For Loyanai, the South Korean marathon is not a new experience as he triumphed in last year’s edition.

His winning time last year was 2:09:23 and at the time had been a huge personal best, as the Kenyan’s previous mark before the race was 2:13:00 in Mombasa in 2011.

Kenyans dominated the IAAF Silver-Label race from start, taking the top nine slots.

Boniface Mbuvi came in second, running 2:08:39. Moses Kurgat took third with 2:08:40.

From the very moment the starter’s pistol sounded, the pace was quick with the leaders going out in a blistering 15:08 through 5 kilometers.

Things didn’t let up from there with the leaders crossing the second 5K segment six seconds faster.

Benson Barus (Kenya) came across the line in fourth position, while Elijah Keitany grabbed fifth with a season-best performance. Jason Mbote was sixth.

For More: IAAF