Edwin Kipsang Rotich was competing in the Brazilian city of Cuiabá when he was attacked, but still went on to claim victory in the annual Kings Run through the city’s streets.
The 24 year-old Rotich, who has competed regularly in South America over the last year, was immediately assisted by local police, who detained the man.
The attacker was named as 33 year-old Wallace de Sousa Nogueira, who according to police has a history of mental problems.
“He has a history of performing acts like these in the past, he’s someone with (psychiatric) problems,” said a local police officer.
Rotich, who won 10km races in Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro in the build-up to the end of year race, was followed by Mark Kori, his compatriot. Brazilian Daniel da Silva came third.
Rotich seemed unfazed at the finish, making no mention of the attack. “it was a tough race, with plenty of hills, which are not my forte,” he said.
“I was able to set a strong pace and to put on a strong finish, where I won the event.”
Source:telegraph.co.uk
