Wanjiru is Sh70m richer after victory in Chicago marathon

by Mutwiri Mutuota and Agencies
The irresistible force in marathon running did it again last evening as Samuel Wanjiru blazed the Chicago Marathon course with a new best mark of 2:05:41 after running unchallenged in the last 10km to earn a staggering Sh70.35m.

Samuel Wanjiru celebrates victory at last year’s Olympic Games.

Wanjiru completed his epic victory that is also an American record in the chilly marathon to confirm his status as the third Kenyan winner of the World Marathon Majors series that carries with it the $500,000 (Sh38m) jackpot. Omar Ahmed (Robert ‘Mwafrika’ Cheruiyot) and Martin Lel are the others.
In addition, the Olympic champion and championship record holder (2:06:32) will also pocket $100,000 (Sh7.6m) for shattering the old course mark of 2:05:42 set by Khalid Khannouchi in 1999. Moroccan Abderrahim Goumri (2:06:04) charged late to overtake Vincent Kipruto (2:06:08) for second with the Kenyan hanging on to third.
Add the $75,000 (Sh5.75) winner’s purse and the reported $250,000 (Sh19m) appearance fee and Wanjiru’s slightly over two hour’s day in office netted a mind boggling Sh70.35m! Of course, this figure is subject to tax and agent fees deductions but nonetheless, it is phenomenal considering he is yet to celebrate his 23rd birthday.
Wanjiru threw down the gauntlet after 20 miles to drop Charles Munyeki and Kipruto. The early pace was ridiculously fast in the men’s race.

  Source eastandard.net