Timorese women bring it home

The President of the Republic, Dr José Ramos-Horta sent the half and full marathon runners off at 6:30am. 3h08:28 later, Juventina Napoleao, last year’s champion female, defended her title with a sterling finish. Among the men Sammy Kiptoo of Kenya was victorious with a course record time of 2h20:06, beating out local hero Augusto Ramos Soares who set his own personal best with 2h31:54.

Winning Timorese male runner Augusto Ramos Soares was pleased with his result. “I ran well” he said “I felt good and was happy with my pace”. Ramos Soares has often spoken about his pride in representing his country. “I want to run for Timor-Leste, I want to help my country to develop and more young runners to join me” he said. “To see so many school children run in the 7km was very special for me, I am proud of our country’s achievements”.

Almost 5000 people took place including school children, government representatives, Dili residents and foreigners as far as Nairobi, Kenya and Florida, USA. The atmosphere was buzzing with a high school marching band fully arrayed for the event. A US Navy Helicopter, part of the over 150 US Navy contingent, in town with the Pacific Partnership programme of the USS Cleveland, flew overhead and then the runners were off. His Excellency Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was animated throughout the run, bringing spectators to join the frivolity, while Dili’s ambassadors turned out in force to join the ministers of Dili on the course.

Along with Augusto and Juventina, Calisto da Costa (2h34:54) and Lola Gonsalves Gama (3h10:47) will be flying to New York in November this year for the ING New York City Marathon. All four runners will be preparing for the London 2012 Olympics, with the best amongst them vying for the chance to represent Timor-Leste.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate HE José Ramos-Horta spoke about his impressions of the race. He lauded the event speaking about how it will “build bridges through sports, build peace in the country, build fraternity between this country, our people, and peoples around the world.” President Ramos-Horta then announced next year’s event to be held 12 May 2012, one week before the Restoration of Independence celebrations to ne held 20 May 2012.

The 42km course will wind its way through the capital, Dili, “a city that has regained peace, tranquility, safety. A city where you see in the eyes of the children, the elderly, much more optimism and confidence,” the President said.

See the related video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ElTQSdZzCE Visit the official website: www.dilimarathon.com for more info and full results.