Athletics, RomaOstia: Kenyan Kirimu triumphs

RomaOstia special, very special. The two race records have been shattered. Kenyan Sawe Sebastian Kirimu printed an excellent 58’02 ”and was delighted at the finish. “Incredible at my second test in Europe, now crazy horizons are opening up for me”. Behind him the Ethiopian Dida Diriba with 59’21 “and the Kenyan Leonard Kiproech with 59’22”. Triumphal also the arrival of the Kenyan Irene Kimais, first with 1h06’03 “who preceded two Ethiopians, Marina Mehmad, second with 1h07’09” and Demise Shure, third with 1h08’17 “. But perhaps all these numbers are not enough to sufficiently explain the unique atmosphere that reigned on the seafront. It was the Sunday of the restart for the very classic of the Roman Banks, organized with the collaboration of RCS Sport & Events. But also of a sporting event that happened in the midst of anguish over what is happening in Ukraine. Many runners with the colors of peace, one with cuffs on his arms that read “No War”, many arrivals with their arms raised and fingers pointing towards the sky, perhaps to express a memory or a hope.

what times!

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The race saw the usual African monopoly in a day of great technical content. There was a cold wind that blew however to the advantage of the athletes. Eyob Faniel also said he was satisfied on arrival: our best marathon runner of the moment finished eighth in 1h00 ”36. “But I’m in a load phase and I didn’t expect better, I’m satisfied – said the blue at the finish. It was a good test ahead of the Boston marathon, now I’m going back to Kenya and will continue to train and then travel to the United States. I don’t go to Boston to look for a great time trial but it is one of the most prestigious events in the world ”. The first of the Italians was Rebecca Lonedo from Atletica Vicentina in 1h13’10 ”.

for kiev

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Shortly after, Oleksandr Choban arrived with the colors of his Ukraine, surrounded by special affection. “The last few days have been a disaster, I don’t have the head to train. I have many friends who have gone to fight ”. Choban has lived in Sardinia for 10 years: “I make tubulars for rubber boats in La Maddalena. My family lives in a less besieged place, on the border with Romania. Sport has helped Ukraine to walk more and more on the path of democracy than Russia where there is a pounding propaganda. I just hope it ends tomorrow, today, now, I have no other thoughts “. Agnieska also arrives at the finish line with similar thoughts and an inscription on her back: “You are my strength”. A memory for her father, a thought for her little son who runs with her in the stroller. “And for Ukraine. We look small but we are big!”.