Locals shine in annual Kampala Marathon

Former world and Commonwealth champion Dorcus Inzikuru came third in the 21km despite coming to the start point four minutes after the gun had sounded

Francis Musani’s will continue to be mentioned as the last Ugandan to win the annual MTN Kampala Marathon as he could only finish sixth in failing to repeat his 2008 feat.

Dominic Kiwmetich clocked two hours, 15 minutes and 59 seconds to lead home a Kenyan 1-2-3-4 in the 42km yesterday overtaken early pacesetter and countrymate Gilbert Masai.

The latter settled for third. Uganda’s Moses Cherop, fifth last year, was the highest placed local for a second year running in the same position, over six minutes adrift.

“I started my preparation two months ago when I won Mwea Classic,” Kimwetich, a 21 year-old, now Shs14m richer, told Daily Monitor.

However, Ugandan runners dominated all the other individual races with Immaculate Chemutai crowning the dominance with a victory worth Shs14m in prize money in the women’s version.

She finished the 42km event in a time of two hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Rachael Jemutai and Rosina Jepkosgei as the race climaxed at Kololo Airstrip.
France-based Chemutai, dressed in Uganda Police kit, has switched from one distance to another since her debut in this marathon back in 2004 in search of glory.

Eight years ago, she came seventh. Opting to do the 10km in 2008, she was third. “I had endurance throughout and was determined. I was the best,” Chemutai, 21, said.

“I believe it’s because of my road races in France.” Elsewhere, Robert Chelanga Kiprotich and Mercy Chemutai won the respective men’s and women’s race in the 21km for Shs4m.

Inzzi third
Former World and Commonwealth champion Dorcus Inzikuru came third in the 21km despite coming to the start point four minutes after the gun had sounded.

“I am happy that I managed to close the gap throughout,” Inzikuru, forever wearing her infectious smile which was received by the biggest applause at the presentation ceremony, said. The winners of the 10km battle – Philip Kipyeko and Viola Chemos – the latter retaining her crown – had totally different tales after pocketing Shs1.5m.

“I expected to win because I have been training in Iten, Kenya for the past two months. I am looking forward to the world juniors where I will run 5, 000m,” Chemos said.
She sounded both confident and arrogant having held off Nancy Cheptegei and Linnet Chebet in a time of 33 minutes and two seconds.

The marathon attended by thousands in the spirit of helping people in the eastern district of Bududa had 16-year old Kipyeko overcome his fears.

“I knew I was going to compete with strong people. I lost track in the first few minutes but I managed to pick up,” noted Kipyeko.

ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com

RESULTS – FIRST 3
42KM: Men
D. Kimwetich (Kenya) 2.15.59
D. T. Kiptui (Kenya) 2.16.55
G. Masai (Kenya) 2.18.45