Thys captures Seoul Marathon title
Brad Morgan
14 March 2006
Gert Thys won the Seoul International Marathon for the third time in four years on Sunday in a time of two hours, 10 minutes and 40 seconds. A fine tactical run helped the South African improve on his runner-up finish of 2005.
After joining the leading group that included Kenyans William Kipsang, Jimi Muindi, and Luke Meto 12 kilometres into the race, Thys made his first surge at the 15-kilometre mark.
The well-timed increase in pace opened up a 30-metre gap, but that was soon closed down.
Two kilometres later, however, Thys upped the tempo again and this time he dropped the rest of the front runners.
After 20 kilometres he once more picked up his pace, establishing a comfortable lead that allowed him to slow a little from the 30-kilometre mark on in. His victory came after wins in 2003 and 2004 and second place behind William Kipsang in 2005.
Kenya's Jason Mbote came home in second spot, followed by Araya Haregot of
Ethiopia.
The South African star's winning time was some way off his course record of 2:07:06, set in 2004, but strong winds and freezing temperatures played their part in ensuring Thys didn't challenge his personal best.
The victory was his second of 2006, following his win in the Beppu-Oita Marathon in Japan in February, during which he recorded a time of 2:09:45.
China's Zhou Chun-xiu defended her women's title, finishing in a time of two hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds.
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