Leading contender Maiyo vows to break Dong-A Marathon record

“I am confident that I can post a record of 2 hours and 6 minutes.”

Marathoner Jonathan Kiplimo Maiyo, 25, from Kenya, expressed his confidence at a press conference of invited runners held at Hyundai Hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province on Friday, two days prior to The Dong-A Ilbo Gyeongju International Marathon 2013.

Maiyo, who has the best record among the runners at this year’s event, said, “Weather was nice when I set my personal record (2:04:56) at the Dubai Marathon last year. If the weather is nice again, I can cross the finish line in 2 hours and 6 minutes.” The record for the Gyeongju event is 2:06:46, set by Wilson Loyanae Erupe, 27, from Kenya, when he clinched the Dong-A title for the two consecutive events last year. Boniface Mbuvi Muema, 27, from Kenya, who ranked second last year, said, “I practiced a lot. I am confident that I will win the title this time, rather than taking the runner-up,” in renewing his commitment.

Choi Bo-ra (Gyeongju City Hall), 22, who is targeting her second consecutive win in Korean female runners’ race, said, “Since this marathon takes place in my home turf of Gyeongju, I have stronger commitment,” adding, “I am in good physical condition. I am aiming to cross the finish line within 2 hours and 29 minutes.”