Alexander Mutiso dominates Prague Marathon

Second place was taken by Ethiopian Sisay Lemma and third by the Kenyan Philemon Rono. “I am very happy to have broken the course record – that was my goal,” said Mutiso. In the women’s elite race Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa won in 2:20:42. Vít Pavlišta won his fourth domestic title, running under 2:20. The fastest Czech female was Moira Stewart but her 2:31:52 did not make the World Championship qualifying standard.

This year’s race, with around 10,000 runners, started from Wenceslas Square. The crowds were strong on both sides of the famous Charles Bridge. For the third time, the famous marathon was graced by the ‘Battle of the Teams’, which involved five teams.

A trio broke away from the rest of the elite field just before 25km: Sisay Lemma, Alexander Mutiso and the Kenyan peacemaker Stephen Kiprop. The latter stepped aside after completing his pacing duties at the 30km. At 35km, the leading duo were almost 50 seconds ahead of the chasing group and around 38km, Mutiso broke away from his rival. “It was my strategy because I wanted to run alone to the finish. I’m not strong in those final sprints where anything can happen. I’m glad it worked out,” said Mutiso, who ran 2:03:29 on his debut in Valencia last year.

This year, Mutiso in winning by a margin of 1:17, beat his compatriot Eliud Kiptanui’s course record of 2:05:39 from the 2010 Prague Marathon. Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa targeted the current women’s course record and run under 2:19. Her winning time was just short of a new record, but the champion did enjoy a winning margin of 3:10 over the runner-up Margaret Wangari of Kenyan.

Vít Pavlišta won the home title after a great performance, finishing in 2:19:14.

Moira Stewart won the Czech women’s title, her first home marathon title.

The President of the Republic Petr Pavel also arrived at the start and officially started the 27th edition of the Prague International Marathon. He lasted until the final run through the entire crowd. “Everyone who stood at the start has huge respect from me. Sports events of this kind are a huge opportunity to show our country to the world in the best light,” said President Pavel.