New Record Set At Xiamen Marathon

The wind was a factor in the IAAF gold-label marathon in China.

Robert Kipkorir Kipchumba is the new course record holder of the Xiamen Marathon. In cool, crisp temps, the Kenyan ran 2:08:07 to set the record in China. The marathon was an IAAF gold-label race. Besides the win and the new course best, it was also a PR for the 26-year-old. The previous record, 2:08:47, was set by Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa.

“The wind was very strong so I tried my best to push,” said Kipchumba. “I broke my personal record. I dreamt I had.”

Mesfin Hailu Lemma of Ethiopia finished 90 seconds behind–good for second. Alemayehu Shumye placed third in 2:09:58.

The women’s race was relatively uneventful with Ethiopia’s Amane Gobena breaking the tape first in 2:31:49. Her teammate, Alemitu Abera (2:31:59), placed second, while third place was awarded to Wang Jiali of China who ran 2:32:00.

Albera’s manager, Haji Adilo, had this to say about the race: “The weather was windy from the beginning, because of that it’s not her best time. If there was stronger Chinese participation in this race, maybe we would have better times.”

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