Are you able to run over 40 kilometers in about two hours?
Well, Philemon Kiptanui Kibet did just at the 32nd edition of the Montreal marathon that took place over the weekend, featuring races of various distances.
“I’m really happy,” said Kibet. “It’s my first win ever in a Marathon.”
“It’s really special to me.”
Kibet took the win for the full marathon, finishing in 2:15:09.
On Saturday, participants tackled events of 10 kilometers and shorter.
While Sunday saw runners taking on that full marathon — 42.2 kilometers — or the half marathon — 21.2 kilometers — both starting at Espace 67 on Île Ste-Hélène and finishing at Parc Maisonneuve.
“I really had good training,” explained Kibet. “I really focused towards this race.”
“I’m happy it just went the way I wanted,” he added. “I won and I’m very happy for it.”
Mélanie DesAutels also secured first place with a time of 2:46:16.
Last year, the marathon attracted 20,000 participants, and this year’s turnout exceeded that number.
“It’s the biggest running events in the province of Quebec,” said Alex Ratté, executive producer, Marathon Beneva de Montréal. “It’s one of the biggest in the province of Canada.”
“What’s made it so special is Montreal is a beautiful city,” he added. “It’s a sports city.”
“With all the 27,000 runners for the weekend,” said Ratté. “It’s amazing.”