NAIROBI, Kenya, June 8 – Rose Kosgei posted one of her greatest victories to date by winning the New York mini 10 kilometre race on Sunday.
Kosgei set a blistering pace throughout the streets of the ‘Big Apple’ to cross the finish line at the famous Central Park in a time of 32:43.
"It was a bit of a surprise to me that no one stayed with me," said Kosgei who won the Hervis Prague Half marathon earlier this year.
"I respected the other athletes in the field. I had no problems in the race, and I thank the Lord for my result,” she added.
Kosgei took 5:04 over the first mile with Ethiopia’s Ashu Kasim on her shoulder before losing her at the halfway mark.
I just kept going, going, and no one was coming. The pace felt OK, so I just kept pushing. To win this 10K is my biggest victory," said Kosgei.
Kosgei’s time is equal to that set last year at the same event by her compatriot Hilda Kibet.
Her victory at this event puts her on the same pedestal with running greats such as Tegla Loroupe, Lornah Kiplagat and Paula Radcliffe.
Beijing Olympic marathon silver medallist Catherine Ndereba who was making her fourth appearance in the race finished fourth.
Kosgei who has been training in the American state of New Mexico under the guidance of her brother Abraham Kosgei is scheduled to return to Kenya on Monday to continue her preparations for the summer racing season.
Home favourite Serena Burla surprised fans and fellow competitors alike to finish second in 33:04, her personal best.
"I was really excited," she said. "I really just wanted it. This sport is all about heart, and putting everything you have out there, and that’s what I tried to do," who is the mother of a five month old son.
Ethiopia’s Hirut Mandefro was third on the podium in 33:13.
