Mount Kinabalu Climbathon 2008 - French runner Favre finally emerges as ‘Queen of Climbathon’

KUNDASANG: Corinne Favre can finally put the ‘Miss Number Two” tag behind her for good.

The French ace bagged her first ever Women’s Open title in her fifth attempt at the 22nd edition of the TM Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon here yesterday.

Favre clocked a personal best of three hours 17 minutes and 29 seconds (3:17.29s) to edge local favourite Danny Kuilin Gongot, who clocked 3:26.14s and Japanese Yuri Kambara in 3:37.02s.

“I was second best all the time previously but this year I won…it is my first victory in the climbathon,” said Favre when met shortly after finishing the 21km race up and down the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

The 38-year-old runner finished second in 2002, 2004 and 2005 before finishing fourth in 2006, all behind Anna Pichtrova of the Czech Republic who won in each of the four races.

Pichtrova, who was not competing for the second year running yesterday, still holds the women’s record of 3:06.54s she set in 2004.

“The great girl Anna is not here but it is still a great win for me…I’m the champion and I’m extremely happy with it,” added Favre.

In yesterday’s race, Favre was in control from the start and never let her challengers get past her.

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