Kiplimo Lagat took 19 seconds of his own course record set two years ago. In 2014, he was signed up as a pacemaker before heading off on his own for a surprise win but, this time, he was accorded the number one bib.
Nevertheless, after some very indifferent results due to a variety of injuries since his last visit to Andalucía, his second victory was almost as big an upset as his first.
In almost ideal weather for fast times, with the thermometer reading 12-13 degrees Celsius and a very slight breeze, right from the start it became clear that Kiplimo Lagat’s 2014 course record of 2:08:33 was under threat.
Paced by a triumvirate of pacemakers, led by Uganda’s Thomas Ayeko and Kenya’s Emmanuel Bett, the opening 10km was covered in 29:57.
A group of nine went through the halfway point in 1:03:36, still suggesting that not only was a course record was on the cards but a tilt at the Spanish all-comers best of 2:06:13, set by Kenya’s John Mwangangi in Valencia last November, might also just be feasible if one of the group had enough in the tank to run a good negative split.
Over the next nine kilometres, the pace of the leaders still stayed on course for a time close to 2:07 although, one-by-one, the group at the front started to disintegrate.
By 30km, passed in 1:30:34, only a trio of Kiplimo Lagat along with his compatriots Shedreck Kiptoo Kimaiyo and Geoffrey Koech – who were later to finish 11th and drop out just after 35km respectively – remained together at the front.
Just before 34km, Kiplimo Lagat decided to shake off his rivals and quickly established a big lead, never to be headed.
He passed 40km in 2:01:30, 2:23 clear of his nearest rival and compatriot Hassan Omanga, and a time well under 2:08 was still possible but without any challengers and clearly flagging over the final two kilometres, the Kenyan had to settle for just a course record and a personal best.
“It’s my second win here, I’m delighted,” reflected Kiplimo Lagat.
“I ran conservatively during the first half and decided to push the pace afterwards. The circuit is very flat and suitable to get fast times. In addition, the crowd supported me all the way.
“I hope to return next year to get a hat trick of victories.”
Source: African News Agency (ANA)
