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Published on November 19, 2007

Nearly 50,000 runners took to the streets for arguably the biggest marathon in Asia. Over 3,000 tested their mettle in the 42.195km full marathon, which started at 3.30 am. The remainder competed in the 10.55km quarter marathon and the 5km walk-and-fun run.

The long-striding Tubei warded off a spirited challenge from compatriot Philip Tarus Rotich and Tanzanian Disdery Lucian Hombo towards the end of the race.  Tubei finished in 2 hrs 18 mins and 28 secs, breaking the record of 2:18.59 set by fellow countryman Michael Mukoma in 1998.  

Two other Kenyans, Geoffery Kiprotich and Nicodemus Biwott, finished fourth and fifth. Panom Mapeng was the best Thai, finishing 16th in 2:41.00.  Tubei took home the King's Cup and Bt300,000. He also got Bt50,000 for the record haul and Bt12,000 for winning in the 30-39 age group category. Rotich got Bt150,000, while Hombo bagged Bt100,000. "I had a good start. Although I practised for three months, I did not expect to break the record as there are many leading runners taking part," Tubei said.

In the women's category, Fridah Chepkite, 20, was first with 2:51.41 to receive the King's Cup, Bt300,000 and an additional Bt12,000 for winning in the 20-29 age group.

Defending champion Po-land's Wioletta Uryga, who holds the women's record of 2:46.40 set in 1999, finished in 2:54.22.

Prawat Wahorum crossed the finish line first in the wheelchair marathon in 1:32.24, with Saichon Khonjen and Ekkachai Chanthon in second and third place in 1:32.25 and 1:32.26 respectively.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation