Kenyan pacesetter Samuel Mailu stunned many when he produced a thrilling performance to finish second at the 2022 Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday, October 30.
Mailu crossed the finishing line in a personal best time of 2:07.19 behind compatriot Brimin Kipkorir Misoi who ran away with the title in 2:06.11.
The latter missed the course record of 2:03.42 that is currently being held by Wilson Kipsang by more than two minutes.
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Ethiopia’s Derese Ulfata also clocked a personal best time of 2:07.30 to settle for a third-place finish.
In the women's category, Kenya's Sally Kaptich destroyed a star-studded field to emerge the winner in an impressive time of 2:23.11.
Helah Kiprop and Jackline Chepngego finished second and third respectively to ensure Kenya register a clean podium sweep.
Kiprop clocked 2:24.40 while Jackline crossed the finishing line in 2:25.14.
Mailu was supposed to drop out of the race like other pacesetters do, but he decided to give it a try and his efforts eventually paid fruits.
The little-known runner qualifies for the prize money because he had registered for the race as a participant. Mailu will also be paid the pacing bonuses that he had agreed on with the organizers.
This is not the first time that a Kenyan pacesetter has registered a podium-place finish in high profile road races.
22 years ago, Eldoret-based athlete Simon Biwott won the Berlin Marathon title despite registering for the race as a rabbit.
Biwott, who was supposed to drop out of the race at the 28km mark, finished the race in 2:07.42, the fifth fastest marathon time in the world then.
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