Smoking while running
There’s no rule from World Athletics that state runners can’t smoke while running a marathon. An elite runner knows that running 26.2km is quite grueling, especially on the lungs and respiratory system. But in the recent Xinanjiang Marathon in Jiande, China, a 50-year-old runner known as “Uncle Chen”, ran and completed the race in 3:28:40 while chain-smoking cigarettes. He finished 574th out of 1,500 competitors. This is not the first time that Uncle Chen ran while smoking. He was photographed in the 2018 Guanghou Marathon, puffing cigarettes, turning a time of 3:36. In the Xiamen Marathon, he clocked 3:32. There ought to be a law banning smoking in races.
Beijing Marathon
After a two-year hiatus as most running events, the Beijing Marathon was back with over 20,000 runners, answering the starter’s gun at Tiananmen Square and headed for Olympic Park. Chinese runner Anubaike Kuwan won the men’s crown in 2:14:34 while compatriot Xia YuYu, claimed the title in the women’s side in 2:28:57. The race was first held in 1981 but was cancelled in the last two years due to Covid-19.
Standard chartered Nairobi Marathon
It was an all-Kenyan affair in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon held in the Kenyan Capital. Other African runners did not participate knowing this is the home turf of the Kenyans. True enough, the Kenyans occupied the top ten with Elias Chelimo winning in 2:10:22. Wilfred Kirwa was second while Felix Kiprorir Kangogo settled for third in 2:11:10. Robert Kwambai was fourth in 2:11:22. In the women’s race, Sheila Chepkech reigned supreme in 2:27:04. Beatrice Cheptoo came in second in 2:28:42 while Shyline Jepkoror Tokoitich, finished third in 2:29:26. Jeptoo Busienel was fourth in 2:30:00. In the accompanying half marathon, Tokyo Olympian Daniel Ebenyo won in 1:00:50. Isiah Laso wound up in second place in 1:01:23. Samuel Nabei salvaged third in 1:01:31. In the women’s division, Evaline Chirchir won in 1:09:58.
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