Singapore Marathon 2005
Yesterday morning, I got the bright idea to grab my Canon EOS 20D mount a telephoto lens (Canon EF 70-200mmL f/2.8) and then dash down to the Padang to catch the finish of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2005. I arrived shortly before 8am. And yikes, it was hot already (about 30ºC)!Without a press pass, I had too use my elbows (politely, of course) to fight for some viewing space. The Singapore Marathon began in 1982 with only 2,000 runners. This year estimates were that 21,000 people participated.
The event is organized so that all the marathons (CEO marathon, 10 km, half marathon, and full marathon) finish about the same time. This makes the finish line a very crowded place. Lanes are set-up such that 3 lanes are designated for amateurs who come running, walking or limping across the finish line while a 4th lane is reserved for the professional runners who come in at speed.
The winner of the full marathon (men’s category) was Amos Matui of Kenya who crossed the finish line at 02:15:55 (new record). The winner of the full marathon (women’s category) was Irina Timofeyeva of Russia who crossed the finish line at 02:34:37 (new record). Both the men’s and women’s full marathon winners went home with US$25,000 each.
Note: The photo above is of Victor Mangusho Robert (No. 110) from Kenya who finished in 6th place with 4802 runners behind him. The prize for 6th place was US$2,500.
Nice picture.
Victor Mangusho is my athlete. You had no press pass, i had one but you definitely have a better camera. Mine came out all wrong.
He was 6th but pushed his team after that race to 1st position in the Greatest race on Earth (GROE).
Bye from Kenya.
Andrew