Runners show character as records tumble
Print Edition
RECORD times were set at the 2014 Shanghai International Marathon yesterday as 35,000 runners hit the city streets in wet conditions.
But while a heavy shower soaked runners setting off from the Chen Yi Square at the Bund at 7am, the rain didn’t last and the 19th Shanghai International Marathon was run in cool and breezy conditions.
Defending champion Stephen Mokoka from South Africa edged the previous Shanghai record by 18 seconds to win the men’s marathon in 2 hours 8 minutes 43 seconds.
The top three male runners all managed to beat the precious record of 2:09:01.
The women’s title went to Ethiopian Tigist Tufa Demisse, who recorded a time of 2:21:52 — more than one minute faster than the record of 2:23:07.
Both winners received US$45,000 prize money, plus an extra US$10,000 for breaking the records.
The race had been moved to the beginning of November from its previous December slot in a bid to ensure better weather and air quality.
A cold front and cool breeze helped create good conditions for the race and air quality also registered as “good.”
The city’s air quality was reported to be lightly polluted on Saturday evening, with the Air Quality Index falling between 125 and 145, according to the Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center.
But the situation had improved by yesterday morning, with the AQI reading 79 at 7am.
Most parts of the city reported “good” air quality.
A total of 35,000 runners took part in this year’s Shanghai International Marathon. Among them, more than 6,000 were from some 80 other countries — a historic high.
According to the organizers, 96 percent of the 8,000 competitors in the full marathon runners completed the race, while 97 percent of the 10,000 entrants in the half marathon finished.
The event also featured 5,000 runners in the 10km race and 12,000 in the 5km run.
A total of 23 runners needed medical attention during the race. Five were sent to hospital for further treatment, with conditions including chest pains and slight injuries.
According to the event’s medical supporting team, none were in a serious condition.
“This year, we have had fewer runners who needed medical care compared to the previous few years. Most recovered quickly after getting some oxygen or doing some stretching exercises,” said Wang Xuqing, a doctor from the Shanghai East Hospital, who was a member of the event’s medical team.
Meanwhile, a SWAT team of police officers took to bicycles to patrol to patrol the route.
The 20-strong team were dressed in their SWAT uniforms and each carried kit that included a gun, a mini fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.
The 2014 Shanghai International Marathon was the group’s first deployment and they were not called into action.
Once across the finishing line, many runners said that they’d had an enjoyable time.
“It’s my first experience of the event, despite the fact that I’ve lived in the city for 10 years,” said Dutchman Udo Bruinsma.
The 41-year-old, who works for a chemical company in the city, took part in the half marathon this year, completing the 21km in 2 hours and 16 minutes.
“At the beginning it was a bit chilly, but as the race went on, the weather conditions proved to be pleasant. I’m very happy with my time as it’s the result of just two months’ training.”
Bruinsma’s wife and two children were at the finish line at the Shanghai Stadium to cheer him on the home straight.
Many runners donned costumes, with an array of superheroes, cartoon characters and an ancient Greek warrior among the competitors.
The final stragglers crossed the finishing line about 6 hours 30 minutes after setting off.
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