Run to Win

Have you ever received a run as a birthday present? Michael Chambers has. For his 40^th birthday this year, his wife arranged for Richard Kiplagat to go for an 8 mile run with him.

Kiplagat splits his time between Marakwet, Kenya and New Milford, N.J. He is a 10-time all American from Iona, and has become one of the most competitive road racers in the world since graduating in 2006.

The pair ran 8 miles in about 7 minute pace, with Kiplagat pushing Chambers just enough to see how fast he could go. Chambers’ most recent marathon was a 4:08 earlier this year in New York City. After the run, the pair had lunch with Chambers’ family and posed for some pictures.

In February, Chambers and his wife will be flying to Kenya to spend some time at the training center in Iten, Kenya, which is run by Lornah Kiplagat, Richard’s older sister. Getting Richard to come visit for a run was just a bonus gift for the actual day of Chambers’ birthday.

(More Info: NY Times)

The 8th annual Beach to Beacon 10k was won by Gilbert Okari for the third time in a row. Last year he was the first male to win back to back. Lornah Kiplagat, who has been winning major races left and right, was the first woman to cross the line. Eric Giddings and Emily Levan were the first Maine finishers.

The weather was great, the field was the largest yet, and the times were quick. There were runners from 20 countries and 42 states.