Tanzania: Comoros Marathon Gold Goes to Local Athlete

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Majuto Omary

2 May 2011

Stephan Hutch of Tanzania was all smiles on Sunday after winning the Comoros International Marathon.Hutch, a less fancied marathoner, put up a sterling performance to eclipse pre-tournament favourites, Kenyans, who were made to chase the shadow to the finish line.Another Tanzanian, who was primed to grab one of the top positions, Andrew Silvin, failed utterly to show what he is capable of.

The race, covering 42.2 kilometres saw Hutch clock 2:23:17 hours, breaking the event’s record of 2:31:00 set by Kenya’s Hillary Kericho.Speaking here yesterday, Athletics Tanzania (AT) official Julius Msomi lavished praise on the athlete for his incredible performance.

“It was just his second time to compete in top-flight competitions and he’s won respect for his country…we really appreciate him.”It was difficult for the local athletes to win the Comoros event, however, this time around, Hutch managed to end the dominance of the Kenyans,” Msomi said.

Hutch grabbed the limelight when he finished fourth in the Kilimanjaro International Marathon 2011 after clocking 2:18:23 hours. Speaking after the race, the ecstatic Arusha-based runner said the victory came as surprise.

“I did not expect it, but I’m very happy because I was able to beat many leading athletes.”It was a spectacle and a double satisfaction: I won the race, but most important of all I broke the record,” he said.

Hutch now plans to make his presence felt in the Berlin Marathon to be held in September. “Having accomplished my dream in Moroni, I am now focussing on the Berlin Marathon…I’m determined to go there and win a medal,” he said.

However, for him to make any significant impact in September he has no option but to step up gear since the Berlin event will involve more competitive athletes.The proud winner is expected to land here today.

AllAfrica – All the Time