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Kenyan goes wrong way but still wins; a runner dies
By Zhao Rui (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-17 05:53

Benson Cherono, of Kenya, won the men's title at the ANA Beijing International Marathon yesterday, but his result -- two hours, nine minutes and 15 seconds -- was officially cancelled because he went the wrong way, according to the event's chief referee Wen Fusheng.


Benson Cherono of Kenya celebrates after crossing the finishing line in Beijing International Marathon Sunday, October 16, 2005.[newsphoto]
Leading the course from the start in Tian'anmen Square, the 22-year-old Kenyan took the wrong route for one kilometre to the finish line after he mistakenly followed a TV broadcast van rather than the pilot car. As a consequence, he ran 800 metres short of the officially distance of 42.195 km.

However, the organizing committee eventually handed Cherono the champion's trophy due to his 1,000-metre lead over second-placed compatriot James Moiben.

"This is a rarely-seen situation in marathon history and it is an obvious fault made by our referees," said chief referee Wen. "The navigator on the pilot car is also responsible."

Two referees were in charge of the section of the course where the incident occurred, but both of them failed to notify Cherono or inform staff in the next section in time.

"I have to say the adaptability of Chinese referees still needs to improve," said Wen. "We didn't make any preparations for such an incident before the tournament, now we will draw some experience from it."

Cherono said he had no idea about the situation.

"I don't know what happened and I didn't know I had taken the wrong course," he said. "Anyway, I feel very good today and I hope to come back next year."
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