Sports

Sunday

Full Marathon (42km)

Men
1 Paul Kosjei (KEN) 2:14:56
2 Eliud Magut (KEN) 2:16:30
3 Willy Korir (KEN) 2:17:27
4 Peter Mutitu (KEN) 2:17:37
5 Alered Kipsane (KEN) 2:17:40
11 Frederic Habimana (RWA) 2:21:08

Women
1 Lilian Chelimo (KEN) 2:48:17
2 Penina Sawe (KEN) 2:49:44
3 Joan Fabiora (TAN) 2:50:19
4 Rosina Kiboino (KEN) 2:51:09
5 Emily Jemuta (KEN) 2:51:27
Half Marathon (21km)

Men
1 Luban Kipkembui (KEN) 1:03:07
2 Edwin Kibet (KEN) 1:03:09
3 Robert Kajuga (RWA) 1:03:11
4 Hilary Kirchumba (KEN) 1:03:20
5 Ruto Kipkoech (KEN) 1:03:45

Women
1 Pamela Chesopich (KEN) 1:13:00
2 Alice Jepkemboi (KEN) 1:13:23
3 Ecler Chelimo (KEN) 1:14:47
4 Amie Niyhyirembere (RWA) 1:14:51
5 Pamela Chepkoch (KEN) 1:16:04

It was simply a Kenyan affair in the eighth edition of the Kigali International Peace marathon after they extended their dominance in the full and half marathon races yesterday.

Paul Kosjei led a 1-2-3 finish in the 42km race after clocking two hours,14 minutes and 56 seconds to take the grand prize of USD 2500 (Rwf1.4m). Eliud Magut and Willy Korir finished in second and third places respectively.

Frederic Habimana was Rwanda’s best performer coming in 11th position after using 2 hours, 21 minutes and 8 seconds. The 32-year old was given USD 600 (Rwf 358,000) for being the best Rwandan in the full marathon.

Lilian Chelimo and Penina Sawe took gold and silver in the women’s full marathon fray while Tanzania’s Joan Fabiora came in 3rd place. No Rwandan was in the top 11.

Despite training in Kenya for three months, Robert Kajuga slipped to 3rd place after finishing second last year. The 27 year old told Times Sport that he has been carrying a minor leg injury which he failed to shake off before the race.

“I got injured recently doing gym work and did not return to full fitness. As I was running, it got worse and slowed me down which resulted in losing valuable seconds,” said the Sec academy runner, who is yet to get the minimum qualification for the London Olympics Games.

In the women’s category, Kenya again dominated the podium places as Pamela Chesopich, Alice Jepkemboi and Ecler Chelimo took 1, 2 and 3rd places respectively.

Amie Nishyirembere finished 4th using 1 hour, 14 minutes and 51 seconds while Claudette Mukasakindi came in eighth position.

Over 931 athletes took part in the competition which included four categories-Full Marathon, Half Marathon; 5km run for fun and Relays.

For the first time in years, the organisation of the marathon was smooth and was graced by government officials led by the Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali, representatives of corporate bodies, NGOs and ordinary people.

Contact email: ostine.arinaitwe[at]newtimes.co.rw