Dominic Ngeno shares what propelled him to victory at Los Angeles marathon

LA Times

ATHLETICS Dominic Ngeno shares what propelled him to victory at Los Angeles marathon

Abigael Wafula 10:36 - 18.03.2024

Dominic Ngeno has opened up on the secret thing he did that drove him to victory at the Los Angeles Marathon.

Dominic Ngeno has opened up on what fueled him to victory at the 2024 edition of the Los Angeles Marathon that took place on Sunday, March 17.

After cutting the tape first, Ngeno went on his knees and kissed the ground to express his joy and gratitude after finally claiming the top honours at the 39th edition of the event.

The 26-year-old opened a gap between himself and his closest challenger Cosmas Kiplimo, with about 4km to go and did not look back as he went for the title.

Ngeno won the race in 2:10:20, almost three minutes faster than last year’s winner, Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia. He explained that studying the course played a big role in his performance at the event and also lauded his coach for holding his hand as he prepared for the event.

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“I watched the race the last couple of years and my coach gave me a plan in training. I wanted to go 2:08 but it was a little humid the last three kilometres and that reduced our speed. In my mind it was about setting the right pace,” Ngeno said as per LA Times.

Meanwhile, the women’s race was won by Stacy Ndiwa, who was coming back for the event after winning last year’s edition.

Speaking about his relationship with Ndiwa, the winner of the women’s race, Ngeno noted that they train close to each other and they even wished each other luck before the event.

“She trains not far away and we see each other on the track a lot. Last week, we wished each other the best. We’re proud to have won,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ndiwa disclosed that last season, she did not know the course well but when she came back, she had enough confidence and was well-prepared for the assignment.

“Last year I didn’t know the course but this year I prepared well for the hills and the weather was better. People cheered us from the start until the last minute.

"At 40 kilometres I increased my pace. I was worried [Mazuronak] would catch me. When the men passed us and I saw who they were I thought ’no problem!’,” she said.

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