Kenyan runner misses VM Ha Long championship over fatigue from tight schedule

Maithya, the race's favorite, started strong and left other runners behind by a significant margin for the first half of the race.

His pace remained impressive even when he crossed Bai Chay Bridge, leading some livestream viewers to believe the victory was already in his grasp.

Onesmus Maithy runs up Bai Chay Bridge. Photo courtesy of VM

However, from the 30-kilometer mark, heavy rain and challenging inclines took their toll on the Kenyan runner, slowing his pace.

Seizing the opportunity, Ho Chi Minh City's rising star Khoi surged forward, overtaking Maithya and maintaining a steady rhythm to secure the win.

Maithya crossed the finish line four minutes behind Khoi, clocking in at 2 hours, 43 minutes, and 47 seconds.

"This is a bad result in my running career," said Maithya, attributing his performance to unfamiliarity with the course and weather conditions in Vietnam, coupled with fatigue from a marathon he ran two weeks prior.

"I didn't think the Vietnamese runners would be this strong. Congratulations to them for a great race," he added.

Onesmus Maithy strides on VM Ha Long track. Photo courtesy of VM

The downpour proved particularly challenging for Maithya.

Unlike other runners who adjusted their pace, Maithya maintained his initial speed, a decision he later regretted.

"At the beginning, everything went according to plan, but as I started climbing the hills, I felt my energy draining away," he said.

By the 25-kilometer mark, Maithya could no longer hold off Khoi, who widened the gap after the 30-kilometer point.

Accepting defeat gracefully, Maithya viewed the experience as a valuable lesson. He admitted to underestimating the importance of recovery. "I've been racing too much lately. It was a big mistake not to allow myself enough time to recover."

Maithya expressed his admiration for the VnExpress Marathon Ha Long's organization and the enthusiastic atmosphere on the course, even amidst the heavy rain.

He was touched by the numerous requests for photographs, a testament to the warm reception he received in Vietnam.

A Vietnamese runner holds hands and celebrates with Onesmus Maithya at the finish line. Photo courtesy of VM

Inspired by Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, Maithya, a farmer and chicken breeder back in Kenya, turned to professional running in February 2023 as a more lucrative livelihood. He learned about the VnExpress Marathon Ha Long through the Kenyan running community, which actively seeks out races in Vietnam.

Afterr Ha Long, Maithya plans to compete in two races in the Philippines before heading to Malaysia for the Kung Ching Marathon, continuing his racing schedule towards the end of the year.

He remains determined to improve his performance and make his mark on the international marathon circuit, but acknowledges the need for better planning and recovery to achieve his Olympic dreams.