Geoffrey Mutai observes a sizzling finish – Athletics news
Geoffrey Mutai, the 29-year old long distance runner from Kenya emerged at the inaugural BAA 10K meet held on June 26, where he stopped the clock in twenty seven minutes and nineteen seconds. After his remarkable finish of two hours, three minutes and two
seconds at the Boston Marathon, this was the second victory for the formidable runner who has now become rather used to with the pacing track.
Mutai, a specialist in road running, though had succeeded in marking the fastest marathon time back in April on the same track, but as this trail do not meet the requirements of the IAAF, his time will not be acknowledged by the International Association
of Athletics Federation. Other major victories attributed to Mutai’s name are comprised of the Monaco Marathon, Valencia Half Marathon and RAK Half Marathon. For the distance of Half Marathon, the emphatic runner boasts of a time of fifty nine minutes and
thirty seconds.
Mutai started his formal career back in 1994 while he was at the Tuiyotich Primary School in Nakuru. The determined runner cleared his primary in 1998, however, marred by financial constraints, he could not start with his secondary schooling. Thus, he ended
up working at a farm. The financial constraints could not hinder him from pursuing his passion for running. As they were bound to yield fruits, his efforts paid the dividends and Mutai managed to qualify for the 2002 World Junior Championships where he represented
Kenya.
However, once again, amid not having his birth certificate with him, he could not participate in the competition. This setback was followed by another big jolt when he developed an injury which completely ended his career at one stage. Undeterred by injuries,
he went on to join the Kapng Entuny Athletics Club which literally provided the required mentorship he badly needed to elevate the career he was passionate about.
The long struggle could only pay him the dividends in 2007 when he finally made his debut at a marathon race and impressively ended up second. Besides the win, another precious gift the event brought for him was Gerard Van de Veen, his present manager, who
mended ways for him and made all the arrangements to help him avail the opportunities for competing abroad. After kicking-off with his success, Mutai did not look back and his travel towards bigger and bigger successes continues till to date.
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