Spectacular Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon 2017!

The fifth Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Race, produced unpredictable, thrilling races which resulted in world-class times and race records in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Despite the difficult course, the race saw elite athletes battle it out in great weather right until the end leaving spectators guessing up to the final stretch. In the end, victory went to Wilfred Kimitei (KEN) finishing in a time of 1:00:54, with three other men just steps behind.

When it came to the women, Yvonne Jelagat (KEN) reigned supreme with an impressive come-from-behind victory in 1:08:19. As per predictions, Jiří Homoláč triumphed in the Czech men’s category, with Petra Kamínková securing first place among the Czech women.

Although the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon course is pretty rugged, the beautiful “city of colonnades” offers plenty of opportunities to run fast. “Today we got to see just how fast Karlovy Vary can be. I’m delighted that the men and women have met our expectations and ran so competitively and fast,” RunCzech Running League President Carlo Capalbo exulted.

The fifth Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon played host to a gripping battle, with just five seconds separating the first four men to cross the finish. Kenyan runner, Wilfred Kimitei emerged as the fastest. "I managed to run my personal best today and on top of that also win, so I’m really satisfied. The race wasn’t at all easy, the hills were pretty tough but I kept enough strength for the finish,” the delighted winner revealed. Kimitei’s winning time of 1:00:54 set a new race record by 7 seconds with RunCzech Racing Team members Edwin Kimutai Kiplagat and Timothy Kimeli following closely behind, sharing a time of 1:00:57.

Victory in the women’s category went Yvonne Jelagat. At 5 kilometres before the finish it still looked like Ethiopian favourite Sutume Asefa would steal Gold. She had a significant lead, however Jelagat found another gear in the final kilometre, and was able to take the lead. “I’m pleased that I pulled it off and made my trainer happy. I had quite a lot of energy left at the end which meant I was able to speed up. When I saw Sutume was struggling, I seized the opportunity. And it paid off.” said Jelagat describing her record time of 1:08:19. Sutume Asefa finished in 1:08:40, also breaking the race record by 27 seconds, followed by Marion Limo in third (1:11:21).

Jelagat broke the race record of Joyciline Jepkosgei who debuted here in 2016 with a 1:09:07. Jepkosgei is now the new world record holder with her 1:04:52 run in Prague last month. Maybe we can look forward to a similar performance from Jelagat in the future…
 
RESULTS

MEN

1 | Wilfred Kimitei | KEN | 1:00:54
2 | Edwin Kimutai Kiplagat | KEN | 1:00:57
3 | Timothy Kimeli | KEN | 1:00:57
4 | Evans Cheruiyot | KEN | 1:00:59
5 | Shadrack Korir Kimining | KEN | 1:01:37
6 | Donald Mitei | KEN | 1:02:11
7 | Moussab Hadout | MAR | 1:02:20
8 | Peter Emase Lemuya | KEN | 1:03:06
9 | Kwambai Kipsoi Magut | KEN | 1:03:08
10 | Stefano La Rosa | ITA | 1:04:16

WOMEN

1 | Yvonne Jelagat | KEN | 1:08:19
2 | Sutume Asefa | ETH | 1:08:40
3 | Marion Jepkirui Limo | KEN | 1:11:21
4 | Ayantu Gemechu | ETH | 1:11:49
5 | Mercy Jerotich Kibarus | KEN | 1:13:44
6 | Polline Wanjiku Njeru | KEN | 1:13:51
7 | Olha Kotovska | UKR | 1:14:18
8 | Diana Lobacevske | 1:15:58
9 | Petra Kamínková | CZE | 1:17:58
10 | Ivana Sekyrová | CZE | 1:19:01

Tadeáš Mahel