The rivalry in long-distance running, between Ethiopians and Kenyans, could be witnessed on the eve of the third international race of the orange city.
The foreign flavour includes participants from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. While a Tanzanian runner shares a friendly rivalry with his Kenyan counterpart, the three Ethiopians had a verbal dual with their arch-rivals from Kenya at the Yeshwant Stadium on Saturday morning.
Oswald Reverian of Tanzania, who finished second last year, said he will go all out and win this year. "This is the second time I am coming here and I will try to win, I am here with that aim in mind. It is pleasant here and I hope to bring in a good timing," he said. Last year he had clocked 2:13:06 and is motivated with the pleasant conditions to better his record but has a fear of his Kenyan friend. While witnessing the route along side Joseph Kithuka of Kenya sharing the same seat in the bus, Oswald said, "This guy (Joseph) sitting beside me is dangerous, he finished 10th last year but after witnessing his practice I know he is dangerous."
On the contrary, his confident Kenyan counterpart Joseph stated, "I am here to better my record from my previous two appearances, I am confident of a fine finish but Oswald is my threat this year. We practiced together for some time, let the race day come, and let result come."
However, Oswald who took part in three Pune Marathons and is into his second international event in the city had a word of praise for the organisers as well. "As compared to Pune, the Nagpur route is tough but we enjoy running here seeing the better organisation and value for our participation when compared with that of the Pune organisers."
After an hour of witnessing the en route friendly rivalry between the two foreign nationals, an argument between the long-distance rivals-Ethiopians and Kenyans was also witnessed.
A tussle to prove their mettle erupted between the runners of these two countries when Indian foreign coach Paul Tuikong who is a Kenyan asked the three Ethiopian runners to not to speak much and show their performance on the D day. The 30-year-old Fiesha Amre of Ethiopia was quick to react, "Mr Coach will you please check the recent record that the runners from Ethiopia hold. We are dominating the scene since last many international events."
On this, the Kenyan runner Mumguti Mark signaled his Ethiopian rival to shut his mouth with his finger on his lips.
After a small altercation all the runners dispersed for a photo shoot with a competitive spirit on their minds.
The foreign flavour includes participants from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. While a Tanzanian runner shares a friendly rivalry with his Kenyan counterpart, the three Ethiopians had a verbal dual with their arch-rivals from Kenya at the Yeshwant Stadium on Saturday morning.
Oswald Reverian of Tanzania, who finished second last year, said he will go all out and win this year. "This is the second time I am coming here and I will try to win, I am here with that aim in mind. It is pleasant here and I hope to bring in a good timing," he said. Last year he had clocked 2:13:06 and is motivated with the pleasant conditions to better his record but has a fear of his Kenyan friend. While witnessing the route along side Joseph Kithuka of Kenya sharing the same seat in the bus, Oswald said, "This guy (Joseph) sitting beside me is dangerous, he finished 10th last year but after witnessing his practice I know he is dangerous."
On the contrary, his confident Kenyan counterpart Joseph stated, "I am here to better my record from my previous two appearances, I am confident of a fine finish but Oswald is my threat this year. We practiced together for some time, let the race day come, and let result come."
However, Oswald who took part in three Pune Marathons and is into his second international event in the city had a word of praise for the organisers as well. "As compared to Pune, the Nagpur route is tough but we enjoy running here seeing the better organisation and value for our participation when compared with that of the Pune organisers."
After an hour of witnessing the en route friendly rivalry between the two foreign nationals, an argument between the long-distance rivals-Ethiopians and Kenyans was also witnessed.
A tussle to prove their mettle erupted between the runners of these two countries when Indian foreign coach Paul Tuikong who is a Kenyan asked the three Ethiopian runners to not to speak much and show their performance on the D day. The 30-year-old Fiesha Amre of Ethiopia was quick to react, "Mr Coach will you please check the recent record that the runners from Ethiopia hold. We are dominating the scene since last many international events."
On this, the Kenyan runner Mumguti Mark signaled his Ethiopian rival to shut his mouth with his finger on his lips.
After a small altercation all the runners dispersed for a photo shoot with a competitive spirit on their minds.
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