Kenyan runners dominated the 2023 Safal Pokhara International marathon staged in Nepal on Saturday evening, February 18.
Stephen Kosgei was in a class of his own, producing a brilliant performance to successfully defend his title.
Kosgei, who was among the leading pack from the early stages of the race, reached the tape in 2:20.07 to escape with the title.
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He was closely followed by his fellow countryman Julius Kariuki who crossed the finishing line in 2:20.37.
Homeboy Homlal Shrestha settled for a third-place finish in 2:25.14 ahead of another Kenyan representative Simon Too.
Kosgei was awarded Rs500,000 (approximately Ksh750,000) for winning the coveted title.
On the other hand, Kariuki pocketed Rs300,000 (approximately Ksh450,000) for finishing second while Shrestha earned Rs200,000 (approximately Ksh300,000).
Too also did not leave Nepal empty-handed - he was given Rs30,000 (approximately Ksh30,000) as a consolation.
In the women’s half marathon, Rajpura Pachhai clocked 1:21.11 to emerge the winner ahead of Brinba Shrestha and Purna Laxmi Neupane.
More than 200 road race runners including 29 foreigners took part in this year’s edition.
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