PUBLISHED 04/14/2007
Last year, to everyone's surprise, this unknown Kenyan won the Nairobi Marathon (2:10)-his first ever. He entered his home country's stadium a full three minutes ahead of the second place finisher. Now, he's in Boston ready to take on some of the best athletes in the world and ready to tackle one of the hardest marathon courses. Will this youngster have what it takes?
Did your win in Nairobi surprise you?
HR: Yes, I was expecting a slower time and really just hoping for a top ten finish. I was very surprised to see that I had a chance at 25k to win it, and when the chance came I thought I should take it, so I did.
How long have you been running, and where in Kenya do you train?
HR: I haven't been running for more than a few years. I used to be a defender on a Kenyan football team. I'm currently training in a town called Abadares with Joseph Njugana (third last year in LA) and Simon Wangai.
Have you heard anything about the course here?
HR: Yes, I've heard it is hard and hilly.
Your coach is Mostafa El-Nechchadi. How did you get started with him?
HR: I was training with Simon Wangui who is trained by Mostafa, and he showed me this great program. I decided to follow the program and then I won Nairobi. After my win I approached Mostafa and he started coaching me directly.
Have you raced this year at all?
HR: I did one race in Puerto Rico, but did not run well because it was too hot and humid.
