Sept. 6, 2011

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Former UMass Lowell distance runner Ruben Sanca placed 48th in the marathon at the IAAF World Track & Field Championship Sunday with a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes, 40 seconds.

Representing his native Cape Verde Islands, Sanca finished 48th in a field of 68 runners. Abel Kirui of Kenya won the race in 2:07.38 while the top American runner was Mike Morgan, who finished 31st in 2:18.30.

Sanca was hampered by back pain over the final eight miles and struggled the remainder of the course. He was hoping for a top 30 finish and/or in a time no longer than 2:18, which would solidify his place for the London 2012 Olympics.

“I believe Ruben is a bit disappointed but he also knows this happens in the Marathon,” said UMass Lowell head coach Gary Gardner, who was on hand in Daegu. “It is one of those events for which you can prepare perfectly and it just doesn't come together on that day.”

Having set the Cape Verde Islands record for a marathon on Apr. 10 at the ABN Rotterdam Marathon (2:18.48), Sanca remains optimistic about his chances of qualifying for London 2012.

His focus will turn to the track as he looks to strengthen with lesser distances such as the 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

“London is definitely still the goal,” Gardner said. “We’re going to get ready to run some fast 3,000s and one fast 5,000 indoors. Then we’ll chase the Olympic standard in the 5,000 and run a fast 10,000 outdoors. The spring racing will determine if it’s in the marathon, 10000 or 5000 meters.”