Kenyans run show in Quezon City International Marathon

MANILA, Philippines - Call it an all-Kenyan show.

Pocket-sized Robert Kosgei beat Richard Kemeli in a mad dash to the finish and capped the Kenyan domination of the second Quezon City International Marathon that started and ended at the QC Memorial Circle yesterday.

Kemeli appeared headed to a second title after topping the Camsur International Marathon months back when Kosgei, running on Philippine soil for the first time, surged from nowhere in the final 400 meters to snatch the victory in two hours, 23 minutes, 52 seconds.

Kosgei’s time also shattered the record of 2:30.08 set by last year’s champion, fellow Kenyan Hillary Kipchumba, who did not compete this time. It was more than enough to win him the top purse of P250,000.

“It was a little bit humid but it was generally fine and I’m happy to finish first,” said the four-foot-5 Kosgei, a native of Eldoret, a tiny town that has produced most of the Kenya’s top long-distance runners.

Lydia Jerotich Rutto totally outclassed the field in the women’s side by clocking 2:54.08 to make it a double victory for the African visitors in this annual event made possible by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and organized by Runnex.

Kimboi wound up at second, which won him P100,000, while Erick Kimaiyo, at 41 the oldest among the 20 Kenyans who saw action here, finished third in 2:33.55.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, with Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, fires off the starting gun for the QC International Marathon. ERNIE PENAREDONDO

It was a 1-2-3 finish for the Kenyans.

Kimaiyo took home P50,000 for his effort in the culminating event of Quezon City’s 72nd founding anniversary celebration.

Like Kosgei, Rutto unleashed a big burst of speed in the stretch to break out of a three-runner lead pack, edging compatriots Florence Chepkurui and Zeddy Chepkoech, who clocked 2:55.58 and 2:55.58, respectively.

“It was another successful staging and we’re excited in looking forward for more big sports events like this one next year,” said Bautista.

Fast-rising Eric Panique was the top Filipino runner as the 26-year-old Negros Occidental native finished 10th in 2:32.36.

Panique, who trained under former marathon king Roy Vence, said he tried his best against the Kenyans.

“I really tried hard to stay with the Kenyans, which I actually did in the first 23 kilometers,” said Panique in Filipino. “But as we’re entering the La Mesa Dam ascent, they started to make their move and I was just left behind.”

The Philippines’ Mischelle Gibuena, for her part, wound up seventh in 3:15.48.

It was the same story in the 21-kilometer race as another Kenyan, reigning International Bridge Marathon titlist Silas Gichom and Susan Terkeptai, ruled their respective divisions in 1:16.45 and 1:41.19, respectively.

In the 10K events, Philip Ronoh (31.00) and Irine Kipchumba (37.34) likewise breezed through with easy wins.