Kenya runners dominate Kuching Marathon 2018

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Snowdan (second left) in a group photo with the 42km Men Open winners Muiruri (third left), Chobei (third right) and Mungathia (second right). Also seen are Wong (left) and Liew (right). – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Njuguna (third left), Jebet (third right) and Lagat (second right) in a group photo with Snowdan (second left), Wong (left) and Liew (right) during the prize presentation ceremony. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

Snowdan (back row, fifth left) alongside other VIP guests in a group photo with the top three winners from the full marathon, half marathon and 10km categories. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Kenya runners have once again dominated the Kuching Marathon 2018 with Mburu John Muiruri winning the 42km Men Open category while last year’s winner Margaret Wangui Njuguna defended her title after winning the 42km Women Open category.

Muiruri, who was participating in his first full marathon, crossed the finish line at 2:20:22 followed by his compatriots Josphatkiptanuitoo Chobei and Stephen Mungathia clocked in at 2:20:33 and 2:21:31 to win first runner-up and second runner-up places respectively.

The three winners also managed to break last year’s Kuching Marathon records for the category.

Njuguna, on the other hand, completed the run in 2:53:42 while compatriots Kangogo Loice Jebet and Chelagat Risper Lagat won the first and second runner-up titles clocking in at 2:57:06 and 3:03:27 respectively.

Winners from both the Men Open and Women Open took home RM8,500 each whereas the first and second runners-up won RM3,500 and RM2,000 each.

On hand to present them with their prizes was Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who was respresenting Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Also present were Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, Plaza Merdeka Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director and Kuching Marathon 2018 advisor Dato Steve Ng, Kuching Marathon Association president Wong Cheng Yi and Kuching Marathon director Liew Tang Chieh.

Around 10,000 runners from over 20 countries participated in the 5th edition marathon which comprised of four categories namely 42km (full marathon), 21km (half marathon), 10km and 5km.

The Borneo Post is the official media for Kuching Marathon 2018.