Kenyan Laban Moiben sets new marathon event record

Rejean Chiasson and Lisa Avery top Canadian finishers

May 27 – OTTAWA – Twenty-eight-year old Kenyan Laban Moiben today broke the Ottawa Marathon event record in a time of 2:09:12, shaving 19 seconds off the previous time set in 2009.

Moiben returned to Ottawa today to defend his 2011 title time of 2:10:17. In 2010, he placed second with 2:09:43.

For most of the 42.2K distance, elite racers ran in a tight pack under slightly overcast skies and cool temperatures – ideal conditions for runners. In the last leg, three Kenyans pulled ahead to claim top spots. Julius Karinga, 32, finished in 2:09:13, and Vincent Kiplagat pulled in third at 2:11:04.

Two Ethiopian women were the first to cross the finish line. Yeshi Esayias, 26, and Biruktrawit Degefa, 21, finished in 2:28:45 and 2:33:12 respectively. Third to finish was 30-year-old Ruth Wanjiru of Kenya. In 2011, Degefa placed second with a time of 2:33:14

Winners of Athletics Canada’s Canadian Marathon Championship were Toronto-based 28-year-old Rejean Chiasson with a finish of 2:19:54 and Lisa Avery, 35, of Orillia, in a time of 2:42:52. Avery’s finish is a strong personal best.

Winner of the wheelchair marathon race was Michel Filteau of St-Jean Baptiste, Quebec, who finished in 1:37:16.