The last Sunday of February. It has now become the day for Maltese runners. The day where the meeting place is Mdina, and we rub our shoulders alongside a few more nationalities. Last year, a number of walkers joined in, for a total number of 1,927 participants. From a number so close to two thousand though, only 345 left at 8a.m. to venture 42.195 kilometres.
The marathon is the holy grail for any long distance runner. The confirmation of being a runner. We are living in a time when everything is mechanised and sophisticated. Yet, runners mostly mere mortals with a day job around the world dream of running 42 kilometres and a bit on their bare legs. To experience the whole distance, in the most primitive, yet graceful mode of transport. It is akin to getting thrown into the sea for the first time and getting left to your devices to survive.
This year, alongside the Maltese, English, Italian, Moroccan et al runners on the starting line at 8am, we will also be blessed with a Kenyan - Sam Kiprotich, who has a personal best of 2 hours 12 minutes. Sam defies a marathon distance as if he's aided by the two wheels of a bicycle. For the rest of us, whether starting at the same time, or one or two hours later it will be a privilege to run in his footprints.
Sam was also kind enough to share his thoughts with me.
Sam, you’ll be competing in the Malta Marathon, come the 26th February, what made you choose Malta, when you live so far away?
I have heard of Malta as a really interesting country. It is a country one would love to visit and when the idea of the Malta Marathon from my great friend Daren (Vandit) came up, I didn't hesitate!
Being now a professional athlete, I believe that running is your life. Have you always been a professional athlete? When did you turn professional?
Athletics is my job. I have been doing it since when I was in primary school but six years ago, I decided to make it my profession.
What does running mean to you?
Running to me means everything. Apart from it being my job, it is my passion and a way of daily life.
What has been your biggest achievement so far in your running career?
My biggest achievement is when I won a local cross-country race here in Kenya! Winning a race here in Kenya is very, very tough!
Training wise, what is a typical week for you, especially when preparing for a marathon?
It depends on which type of week I am doing. A typical week can look like this:
Monday.. Steady run in the morning plus easy run in the evening.
Tuesday.. Morning speed session with evening easy run.
Wednesday.. Morning hill session/tempo and evening easy run.
Thursday.. Morning speed session plus evening easy run.
Friday.. Morning easy run plus evening easy run.
Saturday.. Morning easy run plus evening easy run.
Sunday.. Long run.
All the above is plus a compulsory 40 minutes very early morning run.
It is claimed that if you want to win something run 100 metres. If you want to experience something run a marathon. I believe that you have ran shorter distances before in your career, but would you classify the marathon distance as your favourite distance?
I love the marathon more than shorter distances races. In a marathon you have to involve mental and physical toughness!
With the marathon being over 42 kilometres, so much must be going through your mind during the whole distance. Do you meditate during the course, use a favourite mantra, or just focus on the next step?
During a marathon I try to concentrate as much as possible to maintain the pace. Anything outside the race will interfere with the plan.
What Brazil is to football, Kenya is at the moment to athletics. Iten is becoming popular the world over. What do you believe is making Kenyans so dominant in athletics, particularly in long distances?
Firstly, Kenyans run well because of hard work. The assisting factors could be the favourable climate, the terrain and importantly role models. Role models play a great deal of success as all Kenyans want to emulate big stars.
Having so much gifted runners around Kenya, you must have had something special from early on to have been spotted. What do you believe gave you the advantage to stand out among the others?
Pick up any Kenyan and you get quality. There is so much talent out there. You get noticed from previous achievements.
Apart from the race, is there anything in particular that you are looking forward to see/experience here in Malta?
As I have heard Malta is a great country with very good people! I look forward to meet these wonderful people and get to experience their culture.
Sam, I think you understand that we have an African community here in Malta. Any message to this community from the same continent as yours?
To my African brothers in Malta, all I can tell them is to uphold their brotherhood, be friendly to your host brothers and not to forget their roots.
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