NYC MARATHON ‘07: Lel Outkicks Goumri to Win ING New York City Marathon

Posted November 4th, 2007 at 12:21 PM by J. R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

Martin Lel Wins NYC Marathon In the 2007 ING New York City Marathon Kenyan Martin Lel exhibited a ferocious kick in beating Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco, winning in a time of 2:09:04 to Goumri’s 2:09:16. Hendrick Ramaala had tried to steal the race from the gun but was unable to match Lel’s or Goumri’s strength. He faded after 18 miles and finished a distant 3rd in 2:11:25. Italy’s Stefano Baldini, the 2004 Olympics gold medalist finished 4th in 2:11:58.

On a great day for a marathon (clear, upper 40’s to lower 50’s, 52% humidity, mild winds) Hendrick Ramaala was determined to lead the ING New York City Marathon from wire to wire. For 9 of the first 18 miles he did it, too. The pace varied from 4:26 to 5:15 per mile during that time, with most of the surges being thrown in by Ramaala.

At 18 miles, however, it proved to be too much for Ramaala to handle. At that point Abderrahim Goumri (MAR), making his New York City Marathon debut and who had a PB of 2:07:44, and Martin Lel (KEN) who won the 2003 New York City Marathon in 2:10:30, and who had a PB of 2:06:41, took over the race. Goumri had a dangerous 1500m PB of 3:39.80, so – even though he had out-kicked him in London – Lel had to be aware of this as he took over the pacing duties, trying to break Goumri.

Lel ran mile 25 in 4:46, but Goumri was right there with him.

With 800 meters to go, they were side-by-side. Lel was trying to edge ahead of Goumri. Finally, Lel’s strength proved to be too much for the Moroccan. He kicked it into 5th gear and quickly outpaced Goumri, who didn’t have a top gear today.

Lel won the race in 2:09:04 with Goumri 2nd in 2:09:16, 8 seconds back. Ramaala hung on for 3rd, finishing in 2:11:25. Stefano Baldini was 4th with a time of 2:11:58. James Kwambai finished 5th with a time of 2:12:25.

***** ***** *****

Follow along with TheFinalSprint.com’s LIVE coverage of the 2007 ING New York City Marathon, listen to interviews, watch press conference videos, and much more at:

http://newyork.thefinalsprint.com

***** ***** *****

Event Coverage Sponsored By:
Camelbak - the originator and leader in hands-free hydration.

To learn more Camelbak Elixir, their effective, easy-to-use and portable electrolyte beverage, as well as Camelbak’s running specific hydration systems, please visit www.camelbak.com.

Martin Lel

***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***

Comment on this post | Permalink