Martha Komu

Komu warms-up before the 2014 Paris Marathon

Martha Komu (born March 23, 1983, in Gathanji, Laikipia District) is a Kenyan runner who specialises in a marathon. She won the Paris Marathon in 2008 and finished fifth at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Career

Komu started her education at Nyakiambi and Lariak primary schools. In 1997 she went to Laikipia High School, where she started running. In her early career she took part in various road running and cross country running competitions, but without major success. In 2003 she moved her base to France, where she represents the Clermont Athlétisme Auvergne athletics club.[1]

After a maternity break in 2005, she returned to competition in 2006 and won the Mont Saint-Michel marathon, her debut marathon. She also won the Rheims marathon in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 she won the Paris Marathon, setting a personal record of 2:25.33 hours. This performance earned her a place in the Kenyan Olympics team. Her husband Simon Munyutu finished 11th in the men's race at the 2008 Paris Marathon; their combined time of 4:34:57 hours, according to marathon statistician Marty Post, is the best achieved by a married couple in the same marathon.[1]

Personal life

Komu was the sixth born of twelve children. Her father used to be a runner and her elder brother Francis Komu is a road running competitor.[1]

She is married to Simon Munyutu, a Kenyan-born runner who represents France. They both competed at the 2008 Olympics, but for different countries. They have a daughter born in 2005.[1]

Achievements

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Kenya
2006 Reims Marathon Reims, France 1st Marathon 2:32:45
Marseille-Cassis Classique Internationale Marseille, France 1st Half Marathon 1:12:34
2007 Reims Marathon Reims, France 1st Marathon 2:32:48
2008 Olympic Games Beijing, PR China 5th Marathon 2:27:23

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 IAAF Focus on Athletes

References