Ahmed Muhumed from Flagstaff, Arizona. is normally a 5K or 10K runner. But on Saturday he took part in the Philadelphia Half Marathon – his first half marathon ever.
Then he won. The @Philly_Marathon Instagram account shared a video of Muhumed crossing the finish line and hugging Kenyan-American distance runner Aliphine Tuliamuk.
His unofficial time: just 1:03:15, or a pace of about 4:50 per mile.
Muhumed spoke with CBS Philadelphia’s Eva Andersen at the finish line near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“To finish first, it’s always good to win,” Muhumed said. “And after a 10K in Miami and then a 5K three weeks ago, it was a good November where I won all three races.”
The Boise State and Florida State graduate said he was looking for “one more long race” before quitting for the fall and building back up for the track season.
The weather wasn’t super nice, a bit windy and cold, but there was “a lot of fun, a lot of cheering,” he added.
He said he is fueled by a bagel and two shots of espresso – and only drinks coffee on race days.
He is a member of the Hoka NAZ Elite together with Tuliamuk.
“This city is incredible and I am privileged to be able to run there,” Muhumed said.
The full Philadelphia Marathon takes place on Sunday. That’s possible Read more about road closures and maps of the route here.
