A 145;high-end146; performance by Indians

Apart from the high altitude, the runners also had to traverse steep hills and narrow mountain trails, and this makes the performance even more praiseworthy.

The race officials were quick to point out the runners8217; good showing through the race. 8220;The Indians are going pretty fast; looks like they might win the race.8221;

The prediction turned out to be true, at least partly.

Bining took charge from the start and went faster than many expected in the first 3 km of the race, all downhill. The 23-year-old from Army Sports Institute, Pune, showed no signs of slowing down even on the uphill section of the course. His nearest rival, Bhutan8217;s Kezang Dorji, was breathing down his neck all through on the uphill section. It was expected to be a close fight, but Bining made most of the cool morning to finish ahead of Dorji.

Leelamma, who began well, was a bit slow in the later part of the race, which allowed Slovenian runner Mateja to take the lead, and the title with it.

Leelamma finished

second.

This performance, over a course as tough as this one, indicates the potential of the runners. It also underlines the fact that top runners back home should be given more exposure and a chance to rub shoulders with the best in the business.

The positions achieved here were a big morale boost for both the athletes. 8220;If we can win here, we can surely do well in other international competitions as well,8221; was the view shared by both the runners after the race.

Both Bining and Leelamma had earlier attended a week-long camp that was held here. And this, to some extent, the runners admitted, enabled them to face the taxing route.

8220;I felt good when the race started, and the feeling kept going,8221; said Bining.