Kenyan road runners bagged a clean sweep in both the men’s and women’s category at the 2022 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon on Sunday morning, November 13, 2022.
In the men’s category, Moses Kiptoo produced a commanding display in unfavorable conditions to break the course record in 2:11.06.
His compatriots, Kiprop Tonui and Joseph Ngare Mwangi settled for second and third-place respectively.
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Tonui crossed the finishing line in 2:15.23 ahead of Mwangi who clocked 2:16.06.
In the women’s race, the top three positions also went to Kenyan athletes.
Shelmith Nyawira Kariuki timed 2:44.16 to reach the tape ahead of Sheila Chesang and Eunice Nyawira Muchiri.
Chesang, who won the 2016 South African Half Marathon title held in Port Elizabeth recorded a time of 2:45.25 ahead Muchiri who finished in 2:49.00.
Speaking after the race, a delighted Muriuki stated that she was proud to lead Kenyan athletes to a clean podium sweep.
“I didn’t expect to win because there were many strong opponents. God helped me today.
“I am so happy to win today’s event with other compatriots because when you win, the flag will be flying high with its spirit because we are representing the country, so the feeling is very beautiful,” she told Bernama.
The first male athlete from Malaysia, Poo Vansathan finished the race, almost half an hour after Kiptoo had completed the tough 42km course. He clocked 2:37.56.
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