Pole beats Kenyans to win Warsaw marathon
PR dla Zagranicy
Grzegorz Siwicki
25.09.2017 08:00
Poland’s Błażej Brzeziński has won the 39th PZU Warsaw Marathon after sensationally outdistancing a pack of favoured Kenyan runners.
Brzeziński poses at the finish line after winning the marathon on Sunday. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
Brzeziński, a native of the north-central city of Bydgoszcz, clocked a personal best of 2:11.27 to win Sunday’s marathon and meet the national entry standard for next year's European championships in Berlin.
Kenya’s Justus Kiprotich finished second, with a time of 2:11.52, and his countryman Silas Kipngetich was third with 2:13.32, ahead of another Kenyan Paul Kios, who completed the race in 2:14.37.
Ethiopia’s Bekelu Beji Geletu was the fastest woman, clocking in at 2:35.09, ahead of Kenya’s Beatrice Jelagat Cherop with 2:36.13, and Poland’s Ewa Jagielska with 2:41.51.
"Everything worked out perfect for me today: the course, the fans, the rainy weather, and what’s most important: the form," Brzeziński said after crossing the finishing line.
“I carried out the plan 110 percent: victory, a PB and the entry standard for the Europeans.”
Brzeziński is coached by Ryszard Marczak, a 71-year-old with 100 marathons to his name.
Two large marathons are held in Warsaw every year, one sponsored by fuel giant Orlen in April and another named after state insurance company PZU in September. (gs/pk)
Source: PAP