Benson lifts Mount Butler Race trophy despite finishing second
This anomaly occurred because Chan Ka-ho, who crossed the finish line in 57 minutes and 11 seconds for the 15-kilometre event, had entered the team competition and, as a result, was not eligible for the overall first prize.
Defending champion Darren Benson took home the winner's trophy in yesterday's 37th staging of the HKDRC-Asics Mount Butler Race, despite placing second to Chan Ka-ho.
This anomaly occurred because Chan, who crossed the finish line in 57 minutes and 11 seconds for the 15-kilometre event, had entered the team competition and, as a result, was not eligible for the overall first prize.
Benson crossed the line in 57:39, more than two minutes slower than his winning time of last year.
"I think it's slightly odd that the overall winner doesn't get to take home the first prize," said Benson. "As far as I'm concerned he won the race and I came second, so it doesn't feel right that I should take home the winner's trophy."
Benson has notched up several distance race victories over the past couple of years, including a number of adventure race wins, as well as victory in the gruelling China Coast Marathon.
He failed in his bid to break the 2:30 mark in the Tokyo Marathon last month, coming home in a disappointing 2:33, but was looking forward to defending his title at Wong Nai Chung Gap yesterday, and was leading Chan until the latter part of the race.