Sport | Other Sports
Olympics the target after UAE holiday for race winner Kiplagat
Two wins in two different continents in five days and Thursday's prize money of $300,000 means a well-earned holiday for Lorna Kiplagat, possibly here in the UAE.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:30 February 29, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Two wins in two different continents in five days and Thursday's prize money of $300,000 means a well-earned holiday for Lorna Kiplagat, possibly here in the UAE.
"I ran a 10-km race in South America and won it on Sunday. I am delighted with this win.
"I need a break and I think I will holiday in the UAE," said Kiplagat when Gulf News asked her for her celebration plans.
"It was tough out there and it was quite hot.
"While running uphill there was a strong wind too and I had to shelve my plans to go for the record," said Kiplagat, who holds the record for the Half Marathon.
"I was also a bit tired after Sunday's race. However, I really like this place and for sure I will come here well-prepared next year and maybe a new record.
"The course is fine," said the Kenyan-born who is now a Dutch citizen.
The 33-year-old's husband Pieter Langerhorst, who is also her trainer, was on hand to receive her after her win and said, "Even before the race I knew the record was not possible today. After some rest I will start my preparation for the Beijing Olympics.
"That is the big one and I want to do well there," said Kiplagat, whose cousin Hilda Kabet finished fourth in the race. Kabet is also a Dutch citizen now and the two are great friends and rivals. For a start the Zayed Marathon is a great success.
"However I did feel there were not too many people on the course to support the athletes. Maybe as this race grows in popularity, the crowds will also come," Kiplagat.
Kabet is also a Dutch citizen now and the two are great friends and rivals...
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