Sudha, Nitendra go under Doha Worlds qualifying time

Sudha Singh also set a personal best of 2:34:56 while finishing a creditable eighth overall.

Sudha Singh, winner of Indian Elite Full marathon, in action during the 15th edition of Tata Mumbai marathon on January 20, 2019.

Sudha Singh, running alongside a personal pacemaker Vicky Tomar, clocked a personal best of two hours, 34 minutes, 55 seconds in women’s category at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019. The effort improved the chances of the 3000m steeplechase specialist figuring among Indian marathon entries at the IAAF World Athletics Championship this year in Doha, after coming under the 2:37:00 qualifying standard.

She finished strongly to improve upon her personal best (2:35:35, World Athletics 2015 at Beijing) and also lowered the course record for Indian women (held by O P Jaisha 2:37:29). The steeplechaser-cum-marathoner earned a ₹2,00,000 incentive for establishing a new high among Indian finishers, in addition to the overall prize money for the eighth position in elite category.

Sudha, delighted at outcome months prior to Indian entries for the Doha Worlds will be decided, said: “I am looking at reducing my marathon timing by taking part in tougher competitions. Running against a quality field, I can try to get closer to 2:30.”

she credited pace-maker Tomar, for her personal best timing. “He is also a steeplechaser like me, we train together in the national camp. Vicky knows my style of running, so was able to pace me nicely. Last year in Mumbai, the women’s marathon had a pacemaker from outside (South African Olympian Hendrik Ramalaa) and we took time to strike an understanding of what to do on the road.” 

Sudha Singh was followed by Jyoti Gawte (2:45:48) and Jigmet Dolma (3:10:42). 

Nitendra Singh Rawat, the topper among Indian men (2:15:52) and clearing the qualifying time (2:16) for the Doha Worlds, is looking ahead to taking part in the prestigious London Marathon. “I will run in the elite category at London and will start preparing accordingly.” In his hour of triumph, the runner felt upset at finishing four seconds behind own course mark (2:15:48).

He and training partner, Thonakal Gopi, were left to pace themselves on their own after designated pace-makers, boosting the elite male athletes, were too far ahead. “I tried my best for the Indian course record but missed it narrowly.”

The latter suffered pain in his calf and after taking a break to recover, focussed on finishing.” Nitendra was followed by Gopi (2:17:03), Karan Singh (2:20:10) respectively in second and third placings.

The results (Indians): Women:  1. Sudha Singh (2:34:55), 2. Jyoti Gawte (2:45:48), 3. Jigmet Dolma (3:10:42). Half-marathon:  1. Meenu (1:18:05), 2. Sangeeta Naik (1:19:01), 3. Manju Yadav (1:25:11).

Men:  1. Nitendra Rawat (2:15:52), 2. Thonkal Gopi (2:17:03), 3. Karan Singh (2:20:10). Half-marathon:  1. Srinu Bhugatha (1:05:49). 2. Shankar Man Thapa (1:06:07), 3. Kalidas Hirave (1:06:38).