Paul Kangogo from Nakuru pulled a major surprise after he turned the last 100m into a lap of victory to win the 31st edition of the Safaricon Mombasa International 42km marathon at the Mombasa Golf Club course.
Kangogo, who trained at Elgeyo Marakwet and had never been on the podium since he started competitive marathon, beat established marathoners yesterday.
The 25-year-old clocked 2:11.22 to improve last year’s time of 2:43.53 set by Uganda’s Solomon Mutai, who did not turn up to defend his title.
“I am happy to be a champion. I finished eighth in last year’s Meru Marathon and God is great because I have won the Mombasa International marathon,” Kangogo told FeverPitch.
The winner won Sh200,000 as prize money at the event graced by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Senator Omar Hassan Omar. Athletics Kenya was represented by Vice Presidents Fatma Awale and Paul Mutwii and the national assistant treasurer, Dimmy Kisalu.
Second position went to reigning 2014 United Kingdom’s Brighton Marathon silver medalist Dominic Kimwetich of Run Fast Team who clocked 2:11.47. Kimwetich is preparing for the Skolovakia Marathon set for October 5. Edwin Kemboi, who entered as an individual, came third in 2:12.11
In the women’s category, Frida Lobeda from West Pokot (pictured) and who is the Lewa Marathon title holder, won in 2:41.34 to improve last year’s time of 2:43.53 set by Eldoret’s Sally Lagat. Shelmith Muriuku from Nyeri was second in 2:42.08, while Divina Chepkogei of Iten came third after clocking 2:43.40.
In 10km men, Alex Mutiso of Ndumbi Athletics Club in Makueni County emerged the winner. The 2013 World Youth 3,000m bronze medalist timed 29:31.84. James Maina (individual) and Benard Muia of Makueni clocked 29.52.00 and 30.01.96 for the second and third slots respectively.
In 10km women, Eunice Mumbua from Machakos won in 34.21.35 followed by Angela Kirui (34:54.53) and Eunice Lucia of Machakos (35.03.06.
Courtesy of Standard Digital News