Benson Masya
Kenyan runner
Benson Masya (May 14, 1970 – September 24, 2003) was a Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon specialist, who competed in the late 1980s and 1990s. He participated at the inaugural IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in 1992 and finished in first place.
Overview
Masya was a Kamba by ethnicity.[1]
Initially he was a boxer attached to Kenyan postal service before concentrating on running.[2] He won the Great North Run a record four times; in 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996. He also won the City-Pier-City Loop half marathon in the Hague twice in 1993 and 1994.[3]
His career as a top runner came to a premature end. The Portsmouth 10 Mile race in 1996 was among his last notable achievements. His reveller lifestyle may have contributed to deteriorating performances.[4]
Death
Masya died in September 2003, aged 33, after a period of illness. At his death, he was accompanied by his friend Cosmas Ndeti. Masya was buried in Kitui.[5]
Achievements
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Representing  Kenya | |||||
| 1991 | Honolulu Marathon | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1st | Marathon | 2:18:24 |
| 1992 | World Half Marathon Championships | Newcastle, United Kingdom | 1st | Half marathon | 1:00:24 |
| Honolulu Marathon | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1st | Marathon | 2:14:19 | |
| 1993 | City-Pier-City Loop | The Hague, Netherlands | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:00:24 |
| 1994 | City-Pier-City Loop | The Hague, Netherlands | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:02:00 |
| Honolulu Marathon | Honolulu, Hawaii | 1st | Marathon | 2:15:04 | |
| 1997 | Stockholm Marathon | Stockholm, Sweden | 1st | Marathon | 2:17:22 |
References
- ^ IAAF, December 12, 2008: Inseparable! Jimmy Muindi and the Honolulu Marathon
- ^ icNewcastle: October 9, 2003: Void left as GNR legend Masya dies at just 33
- ^ "City-Pier-City". www.arrs.run. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
- ^ Honolulu Star, December 4, 2006: Lifestyle and illness felled Honolulu Marathon winner
- ^ Honolulu advertiser, September 30, 2003: 3-time marathon champion dead at 33
External links
- Benson Masya at World Athletics
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World Athletics Half Marathon Championships champions in men's half marathon
- 1992: Benson Masya (KEN)
- 1993: Vincent Rousseau (BEL)
- 1994: Khalid Skah (MAR)
- 1995: Moses Tanui (KEN)
- 1996: Stefano Baldini (ITA)
- 1997: Shem Kororia (KEN)
- 1998: Paul Koech (KEN)
- 1999–2000: Paul Tergat (KEN)
- 2001: Haile Gebrselassie (ETH)
- 2002: Paul Malakwen Kosgei (KEN)
- 2003: Martin Lel (KEN)
- 2004: Paul Kirui (KEN)
- 2005: Fabiano Joseph Naasi (TAN)
- 2006–2009: Zersenay Tadese (ERI)
- 2010: Wilson Kiprop (KEN)
- 2012: Zersenay Tadese (ERI)
- 2014–18: Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN)
- 2020: Jacob Kiplimo (UGA)
2006 and 2007 were held as the IAAF World Road Running Championships
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Men's Half Marathon Best Year Performance 1992 1994 | Succeeded by |
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