Kogo shows way to go in Edinburgh

Published on Sunday 3 May 2009 22:51

SIX weeks after smashing Haile Gebrselassie's world-best 10km time in Brunssum, Micah Kogo again proved impervious to the challenge of a world-class men's field in yesterday's Bupa Great Edinburgh Run.

The 22-year-old farmer's son, who took bronze over this distance on the track at last year's Olympics, ploughed his way to the front during the ascent through Holyrood Park with only the challenge of Kenyan compatriot Bernard Kipyego surviving the change of pace.

The two-man breakaway became a two-way pursuit for victory. However, Kipyego, the defending champion, dropped back when his rival accelerated with three kilometres left and could never quite close the gap, Kogo eventually victorious by a 12-second margin in a time of 28.13, with Spain's Jose-Manuel Martinez completing the podium.

"It was fantastic to get a fast time," said the local hero of the Kenyan mountain village of Burnt Forest. "I slowed up after five kilometres, but then I started pushing it again because I knew I could hold on because of the training I've been doing. I was a bit worried about Bernard, but when I started to push, he didn't stay with me."

Mike Skinner was the first Briton across the line, finishing seventh in 30min 32secs, although former international team-mate Jon Brown – now representing Canada – was two places ahead in 29min 56secs.

University of Glasgow student Matthew Gillespie, who made an audacious early foray to the front, was the best placed Scot in 15th.

Deena Kastor put the memories of her Olympic injury behind her with a dominant showing in the women's race, confidently easing clear after four kilometres to break the tape in 32.38, with three-time winner Jelena Prokopcuka 36 seconds in arrears and former world champion Sally Barsosio of Kenya in third.

Katrina Wootton was the first UK domestic woman across the line, finishing seventh in 34min 18secs, while Jennifer MacLean (Edinburgh AC) produced a late burst to finish ninth.

Elsewhere, the West, led by Shettleston's three Eritrean-born imports, took the spoils in the adjacent Scottish District Championships.