Top honours go to Kenyan marathoners

KAMPALA- Dominic Kimwetich became the first runner to retain the 42km title as Kenyans extended their dominance of the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Even the early morning downpour could not deter Kimwetich who, after taking the lead early on, looked comfortable throughout the race that was flagged off by world and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich. The Kenyan clocked two hours, 15 minutes and six seconds, to lead home a Kenyan 1-2 finish with Paul Katisa (02:17:02) following him.

Patrick Cherotwo (02:18:10) in third position was Uganda’s best-placed finisher.
“I enjoy coming for this racing here and God willing I will be back to retain my title next year,” a beaming Kimwetich said after receiving his Shs14m cash prize.
Uganda’s run in the men’s marathon remains miserable as a home victory last came in 2008 courtesy of Francis Musani.

Another Kenyan Gladys Kipsoi was equally dominant in the women’s 42km event, striding home in 2:40:05. Kipsoi was a deserving winner for the Shs14m prize as she beat second-place countrymate Rosina Kiboino (02:44:58) by over four minutes.

Sally Jemutai (02:46:58) completed the Kenyan medal clean sweep with veteran Irene Chemusto the best Ugandan on the day in fourth place.

While the 42km races belonged to the Kenyans, Ugandans took charge of the 21km, sweeping the first three positions in either category.

Daniel Rotich won the men’s race in one hour, three minutes and 54 seconds. Moses Kibet (1:04:10) came second and Ezekiel Chepkorom third in 1:04:37.

Linet Chebet, who was third in last year’s 10km race, switched to 21km this year and got instant reward after clocking 1:16:00 to win ahead of Dorcus Ajok (1:20:12) and Doreen Chesang (1:21:15). “I felt more comfortable in this race but I have also had better training,” Chebet said.

In the all-Ugandan 10km category, Phillip Kipyeko won for the second consecutive year while Nancy Cheptegei beat all the ladies. Racheal (36:40) finished second and Phanice Chekwemoi (36:40) third.

RESULTS
10km (men)
Phillip Kipyeko 29:20
Stephen Mande 30:30
Ben Somwiko 30:46
Women
Nancy Cheptegei 35:46
Racheal Chebet 36:40
Phanice Chekwemoi 37:51
Viola Chemos 39:20
Susan Nakamya 41:26
21km (men)
Daniel Rotich (UGA) 1: 03:54
Moses Kibet (UGA) 1:04:10
Ezekiel Chepkorom (UGA) 1:04:37
Josphat Chirchir (UGA) 1:04:53
Joshua Mangusho (UGA) 1:05:04
Women’s 21km
Linet Chebet (UGA) 1:16:00
Docus Ajok (UGA) 1:20:12
Doreen Chesang (UGA) 1:21:15
Edna Kurgat (KEN) 1:21:42
Naomi jepkorir (KEN) 1:28:46
42km (men)
Dominic Kimwetich (KEN) 2:15:06
Paul Katisa (KEN) 2:17:02
Patrick Cherotwo (UGA) 2:18:10
Women
Gladys Kipsoi (KEN) 2:40:05
Rosina Kiboino (KEN) 2:44:58
Sally Jemutai (KEN) 2:46:50
Irene Chemusto (UGA) 2:55:16
Abigail Toroitich (KEN) 2:56:12