Paulus breaks record

Namibian road runner Daniel Paulus took eighth place after running a time of two hours, eight minutes and 37 seconds to set a national record at the Daegu International Marathon in South Korea yesterday.

The runner is set to be the next big thing in road racing, according to his coach Robert Kaxuxwena.

First place went to Ethiopia’s Milkesa Tolosa. In second place was Stanley Kiprotich of Kenya, while Eritrea’s Berhane Tsegay bagged third.

Kaxuxwena heaped praise on the athlete and said he is the fastest in Namibia at the moment.

However, in the women’s category, in an unfortunate turn of events, marathon queen Helalia Johannes injured her ankle during the race but managed to finish in 10th place in a time of two hours, 31 minutes and 33 seconds.

Kaxuxwena said the injury is serious, but that the Johannes will recover with proper care.

The women’s race was won by Ethiopia’s Ayandu Abera Demissie. Her countrywoman Medina Armino was in second place, while Janet Gichumbi of Kenya took the third spot.

The marathon attracted a record of 15 561 participants from 12 countries.