Runner puts race on hold for friend

MUMBAI: Marathons are made of sweat and sacrifice. Henry Wanyoike, a blind 29-year-old Kenyan runner, completed the 21-km half-marathon in 1 hour and 18 seconds.
A heart-warming tale lies behind the runner''s feat. Wanyoike, who holds numerous records in the paralympics and blindmarathon, recently won the Hong Kong half-marathon.
Mike Denoma, group executive director, Standard Chartered, met Wanyoike in Nairobi and invited him to run the Mumbai Marathon after seeing him in the Hong Kong race.
In Mumbai, Wanyoike was running along with guide Joseph Kibunja. After they covered the first 7 km, Kibunja developed chest problems and dropped out, leaving Wanyoike stranded.
Wanyoike''s shouts for help were heard by fellow Kenyan Eric Kiplagat (30), a professional runner who was participating in the full marathon. Without thinking twice, Kiplagat sacrificed his run and became Henry''s guide.
The shy Kiplagat, who had been preparing for themarathon since October, and had come to Mumbai especially for the event, told this newspaper, "When I saw Henry, I just thought I had to stop and help him."
He had no regrets. "I run professionally. I came sixth in the Dubaimarathon some time ago. I shall run in some other race again."
Relaxing in the shaded enclosure at Azad Maidan after the run, Wanyoike, who holds records in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, could not express enough gratitude for what Kiplagat had done.