The fourth Kass Marathon men’s and women’s 42 kilometre race produced surprise winners yesterday in Magdaline Mugunzi and Isaac Kosgei, who bagged Sh1.6 million each in Eldoret.
Upstarts Mugunzi from Yatta and homeboy Kosgei conquered Kenya’s biggest marathon as Sports Minister Paul Otuoma, National Olympic Committee of Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino, the new South African Athletics Federation president Henry Raamala, as well as 2010 IAAF World Athlete of the Year David Rudisha and at least five MPs watched.
Mugunzi’s casualties on her maiden marathon race included last year’s Amsterdam Marathon winner Magdaline Chemjor and 1987 All Africa Games 10,000m champion Leah Malot.
The 24-year-old won in two hours 44.50 seconds, ahead of Kisang and Bor, having sped off from the leading pack of 12 at the 30km mark.
“I can’t believe it. Beating a strong field in Eldoret makes me proud,” said Mukunzi.
Kosgei also floored seasoned runners, even denying defending champion Barnabas Barmasai a podium finish, to claim the high-stakes 42km race victory.
Prepare for road races abroad
The 26-year-old victor broke away from the more than 50 athletes at the 36km point to stop the timer in 2:20.12, ahead of Francis Kosgei (2:21.08), a half marathon specialist, and Victor Kipchirchir (2:21.32).
“I now need to recover and prepare for road races abroad next year,” said Kosgei.
Road race great Hellen Kirop and avid cross country runner Rose Jepchumba trailed World Junior Cross Country champion and 1997 World Cross winner Rose Kosgei (41:26.4) while Gedion Kipketer (35:47.8) squeezed World Cross sensation Mathew Kisorio between Wilfred Kirwa and Enock Mitei in the men’s 12km contest.
Results:
Men: 42km- Isaac Kosgei 2:20.12, Francis Kosgei 2:21.08, Victor Kipchirchir 2:21.32, Ronald Kimeli 2:21.53, Simon Kipkorir 2:22.12; 12km- Gedion Kipketer 35:47.8, Wilfred Kirwa (35:51.0), Mathew Kisorio 35:53.8, Enock Mitei 35:58.6;
Women: 42km- Magdaline Mugunzi 2:44.50, Rebecca Kisang 2:45.52, Violah Bor 2:48.52, Irene Jepchumba 2:49.55, Pamela Jepngétich 2:52.27; 12km- Rose Kosgei 41:26.4, Hellen Kirop 41:58.5, Rose Jepchumba 42:19.9, Eunice Kales 42:35.4, Gladys Jebet (42:48.90)
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