"It was impossible to hold such an event in the pastera. It wouldn't have been so easy to let many foreigners into thecountry," he said. More than 1,000 participants were registered to takepart in the event, which also included short-distance fun runs. Kenyan runnerGitau Kariuki, 25, was first past the finishing line in the marathon categoryafter two hours, 19 minutes and 10 seconds. "It has been fantastic andespecially (it's) my first time here in Myanmar. I promise to come here nextyear to defend my title," said Kariuki, who scooped the prize money of$2,500.
The marathon aimed to showcase Myanmar's budding sportingcredentials as it prepares to host its first Southeast Asian Games in 44 yearsin December. "I want to take part in many races like this," said20-year-old Thaung Aye, who was the first Myanmar runner to cross the finishline, coming third after two hours, 27 minutes and 10 seconds - a personalbest.
"The more races I compete in, the more experience Igain," he added. "I expect to win the first prize in the SoutheastAsian Games marathon in under two hours and 20 minutes." Organisers saidathletes from China and India as well as those from Britain, the United States,Ethiopia and Kenya were competing.
"This is the very significant event," Serge Pun,the executive chairman of co-organiser Yoma International Holding Ltd, saidahead of the race. "For us to be able to showcase Yangon at this junctureof time when our country is undergoing monumental changes politically,economically and socially is a great honour."
