Tiny Indonesian runner makes short work of rivals on HK debut

Diminutive Indonesian runner Triyaningsih walked tall when she won the women's marathon after brushing off the late challenge of Chinese rival Jin Lingling.

The business management student was a hero at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games when she smashed the women's 5,000 metres record, taking almost 15 seconds off the mark on her way to a double gold success having also won the 10km race.

Triyaningsih, 22, kicked away in the final 4km to finish almost one minute ahead of Jin. Jho-An Banayag, of the Philippines, was third in 2:52:33 to complete an Asian 1-2-3 as the African runners were nowhere to be seen and were a major disappointment.

'This is my biggest win. I can't believe I have won,' said Triyaningsih, who clocked 2:47.35. 'I trained hard and I felt I was ready. Conditions were tough and Jin gave me a hard time for most of the race, but luckily I pulled away when it mattered. It's a good win for me.

'This is my first Hong Kong Marathon and to win it on the first attempt is gratifying. I found the race well-organised because it was traffic free, which we don't get in our races in Indonesia. This is only my second marathon, so I am very happy.'

In her other marathon, Triyaningsih showed her potential by finishing eighth in the Kenya International in 2008. She was the fastest Asian in the field and convinced coach Alwi Mugiyanto to change her training from shorter distances, such as the 5km and 10km, to the marathon.