BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT THE TOWER HOTEL IN LONDON

The 2017 Men’s and Women’s London Marathon Winners, Daniel Wanjiru and Mary Keitani, gave their reaction to their victories yesterday.  Wanjiru said: “The first thing that crossed my mind when I won was my family in Kenya and my friends. They motivated me a lot. Everyone in Kenya was happy. After yesterday’s race I felt good and I was in good spirits. My wife in Kenya said everything would be fine here. When you return we will have a party.”

He went on further “After this I will try to have a rest for some days. Then I will come back and see how to respond and run my next race.”

Keitani who broke the women’s only World Record in 2 hours 17 minutes and one second said:” First of all I want to say thank you to the race director and the staff of the London Marathon. I did not want to let anyone down like last year. I was prepared for anything. I said if the pacemaker is not with me I would go. I thought if anyone was coming I was ready with my tactics.”

Her motivation for running this way was her fall last year and the frustration.

On winning many trophies and medals and what the celebration would be like at home she said:

“I will not go directly home. I will go to Italy and Germany then go back home. I will be having a celebration at home on my arrival. There will also be a lot of media when I get to the airport. “

Mary’s race was straight forward and more of a time trial as she hit the front from the start and never relinquished the lead. However Wanjiru was in a competitive race with Kenenisa Bekele.  He said:” When I passed the 10 km I could hear the crowd shouting so I knew there was someone coming behind me. I had more determination to increase the pace.”

Although Mary did not have much of a competition in the Women’s race she acknowledged the part the crowd played. She said:” They did a massive job. I heard a lot of noise. I think some of them were running with me. It was really enjoyable.”

Wanjiru is yet to represent Kenya at a World Championships and was asked if he would consider it. “Yes that is what I am looking forward to do here in London if I am selected. I would be happy to come here to run again. I would also be happy to come here to defend my title.”

Mary also said: “I would have to go back home and talk with my manager to see where I will be and we also have to talk to the Kenyan Federation.”

Mary Keitany had the last word when she was asked if a woman could go under 2 hours one day in a Marathon.  “I do not want to answer the question because people never considered women and only considered the men.”  she said.