Banned Spira hits top spot
Spira Footwear, which features controversial and banned spring technology was worn by the top five male and top two female runners at the 30th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon.
Kenya’s Christopher Kiprotich was the men's overall winner, finishing the 26.2 mile course in 2:15:15, while fellow countryman Hillary Lelei came second with a time of 2:18:1. Henry Githuka, also of Kenya, finished third in 2:21:52, followed by Dmitry Sivou of Belarus with a time of 2:22:25. Poland’s Jaroslaw Chichoki came fifth with 2:23:22.
In the women's division, Ukrainian Anzhelika Averkova was the overall winner with a time of 2:34:50, narrowly missing the course record by 24 seconds. Polish Wioletta Kryza finished second in 2:41:50.
Spira's patented WaveSpring technology is said to reduce impact force on the runner's body, enabling efficient recovery and less overall stress.
"Amazingly, this rule has the effect of putting our shoes in the same category as steroids," said Andy Krafsur, the company’s CEO. "While we're pleased that the rule has not been applied to disqualify runners who compete in our shoes - such as the top five male finishers and top two female finishers - the fact is that competing in Spira violates the plain language of the rule and we would like it overturned.”
