For Kamakya, Gold Coast evokes nostalgia

Nicolas Manza Kamakya believes that his personal exposure and triumph at the 2011 Gold Coast Marathon will come in handy on April 15, when he takes part in the men’s competition at the Commonwealth Games.

A return to Australia will be a nostalgic experience for Kamakya who conquered the course in 2011 in the marathon. Close to seven years later, he returns to the very city where he stood tall with towering performance and, naturally, his optimism is understandable.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after a speed workout at their camp in Don Bosco, Karen, on Thursday morning, Kamakya assured athletics enthusiasts that he has fully recovered from the hamstring injury that he picked during last year’s BMW Berlin Marathon, and as such, is rearing to go.

He said: “When I was pacing during Berlin Marathon, I started feeling pain after the eighth kilometre. I pulled out of the race and headed to the start line. I was checked and treated and the doctors advised me to take a one month rest. I did that and now I have fully recovered ready to battle for the top podium place in Gold Coast.”

The 32-year-old believes that he will have a repeat of 2011 where he set a course record of 2:10.01 despite the hot and windy conditions in the Aussie city.

“The heat had overwhelmed me when the race was starting but after the 35km marker I felt energized and went for the victory,” he said. “If the conditions remain constant I shall give good results,” the 2007 Boilermaker 15k Road Race winner, added.

The Kenya Police Service officer urged Kenyans to have faith and support the road race athletes selected by Athletics Kenya last month. The team of six athletes led by Julius Nderitu, Kenneth Mungara, Sheilah Jerotich, Hellen Nzembi and Shelmith Muriuki were heavily criticised for their age and lack of experience.

Kamakya, however, believes the criticism is unwarranted. He said: “We are working together as a team to ensure that we deliver for our country and prove our critics wrong. Our victories there will bring joy to our nation. Their criticism is our motivation to work harder and smarter. It will truly show them that we are as good as top gun road racers,” said Kamakya.

Kamakya has made three podium finishes in full marathon and five in the half marathons. He holds a personal best of 2:06.34 after finishing fourth during the 2011 Amsterdam Marathon.

In 2012, he, however, suffered a career low after he failed to finish the race at the 2011 Honolulu Marathon after suffering Achilles tendon injury that also nagged him during the 2012 Lake Biwa Marathon in March.

Kamakya’s Outdoor Performance at a glance

2:08.42 (2009) 2nd Beijing Marathon

2:12.19 (2010)   6th Roma Marathon

2:10.01 (2011)   1st Gold Coast Marathon

2:06.34 PB (2011) 4th Amsterdam Marathon

2:08.28 (2012) 4th Berlin Marathon

2:10.33 (2013) 4th Warszawa Marathon

2:12.01 (2014) 4th Pracha Marathon

2:10.22 (2016) 2nd Kolb Marathon

2:11.35 (2017) 4th Hannover Marathon