No Slip-Ups In Capital

5 OCT2011

The wet and blustery conditions that swept over the Scottish capital on Sunday morning (October 2) didn't deter over 10,000 people from taking part in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run. And the extreme weather didn't stop the race going to form with Martin Mathathi and Lucy Kabuu securing convincing victories in the men and womens events and replicating their success in the Great North Run a fortnight earlier.

Mathathi was given a tough fight throughout the 10k race by fellow Kenyan and defending champion Titus Mbishei before pulling away with just over a kilometre to run. The Kenyan finished 28:03 - a new course record, with Mbishei crossing the line five seconds later. The British runner Tom Humphries completed the top three positions with a time of 29:18.

With Mathathi and Mbishei breaking clear after just two kilometres, the pair became embroiled in a tense battle with both runners taking the lead at different stages. Mathathi, however, a renowned fast finisher, gradually broke away in the concluding stretch.

The Great North Run champion reflected on their enthralling contest: "I found it very tough with Titus constantly surging and it did hurt me, but this was another important race for me to win." Mathathi, who insists competing in the 10k at the London Olympics is his major ambition, added, "This is my best distance and what I am training for and will concentrate on in the winter."

Scottish runner Andrew Lemoncello continued his rehabilitation from injury with a highly respectable time of 30 minutes exactly as he finished in seventh place. The Fife athlete, whose time was enough to secure victory for the East in the Scottish Inter-District Championship, will now set his sights on obtaining a place in the upcoming Olympic Games.

In the female race, Lucy Kabuu continued her impressive form with another convincing victory. The Kenyan athlete broke free around the midway point and despite attention from Helen Clitheroe, Charlotte Purdue, and Commenwealth marathon champion Irene Jerotich, finished the race in 32:28.

Aware of the inclement conditions, Kabuu said she tried to focus on maintaining a constant speed, adding: "I kept going at my pace but I was fearing the others might catch me on the downhill stretches where it was really slippery."

The Kenyan athlete completed the course 30 seconds ahead of Purdue (32:58), while Irene Jerotich took third position with a time of 33:16. A strong performance from the British women was secured as Helen Clitheroe finished in fourth place. Fife runner Hester Dix came in sixth, securing the Scottish Inter-County title as she finished the course in 35:38.

For a full breakdown of last weekend's events, visit scottishrunningguide.com's race and results page.