Deli Serdang, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - Rikki Martin Simbolon, a debutant runner representing West Java Province, managed to claim the final gold medal contested in athletics after finishing first in the men's marathon of the Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON).
In the long-distance race taking place on the Tanjung Morawa-Kualanamu Main Road, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra Province, on Thursday, Simbolon crossed the finish line first, with a time record of two hours, 26 minutes, and 27 seconds.
Apart from the gold medal, the West Java contingent also bagged the bronze medal, as Betmen Manurung recorded a time of two hours, 31 minutes, and 54 seconds to secure the third spot.
Meanwhile, the silver medal was clinched by Daniel Simanjuntak, the host province's representative, who finished second by recording a time of two hours, 30 minutes, and 46 seconds.
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After being presented with the gold medal he earned, Simbolon said he attributed his victory to the relentless support demonstrated by coaches, officials, and fellow runners from West Java.
"In addition to the intensive training sessions I had to undergo, this victory is also the result of the support shown by others," he remarked.
The marathon triumph presented the 29-year-old athlete with his second gold medal at his first-ever PON, having won the men's 5,000-meter event last week.
Here are the final results of the men's marathon of PON 2024:
1. Rikki Martin Simbolon (West Java) finished in 2:26:27.
2. Daniel Simanjuntak (North Sumatra) finished in 2:30:46.
3. Betmen Manurung (West Java) finished in 2:31:54.
4. Laode Safrudin (South Sulawesi) finished in 2:32:43.
5. Hamka (South Sulawesi) 2:34:45.
6. Berman Siahaan (North Sumatra) finished in 2:37:02.
7. Nurshodiq (Yogyakarta) finished in 2:38:10.
8. Sardyanus Sanam (East Nusa Tenggara) 2:41:38.
9. Eza Aulia Pradipta (Aceh) finished in 2:44:38.
10. Edy Wenda (Highland Papua) finished in 2:52:03.
11. Musa (West Kalimantan) finished in 2:52:23.
12. Suparman (Central Sulawesi) finished in 2:54:13.
13. Imam Mahdin (West Nusa Tenggara) finished in 3:00:10.
14. Adhar (Highland Papua) finished in 3:07:45.
West Java's debutant runner clinches gold medal in marathon
Rikki Martin Simbolon, a West Java athlete, poses after receiving his medal (ANTARA/Juraidi).
