Ugandan Solomon Mutai reigns at Mombasa marathon in hot conditions

Uganda’s Solomon Mutai crosses the finish line during the Safaricom Mombasa International Marathon yesterday. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

By ERNEST NDUNDA

Ugandan Solomon Mutai rocked Kenya’s boat by winning the 30th edition of Safaricom’s Mombasa International Marathon on Sunday.

In the women’s race Sally Lagat from Eldoret was the winner after she posted a fast time of 2:43.53.

The victory for the Ugandan comes just a week after compatriot Stephen Kiprotich cruised to victory at the World Championships in Moscow at the expense of Kenyans.

Mutai, who comes from Bukwo area in Uganda, braved the Mombasa heat to defeat a strong field of 170 runners to win the race.

Mutai, 24, clocked two hours 14 minutes and 21 seconds to walk away with Sh 200,000.

“I took part in last year’s World half marathon in Bulgaria and finished 26 but since then I have improved my timing and am happy to have won the Mombasa marathon in my debut,” said Mutai.

“My focus now is to race in the London and New York marathons next year.”

Paul Katisa from Limuru had to settle for second position as he made through the 42km distance in 2:14.45 while Elijah Kipkemoi was third in 2:15.08.

Benjamin Koech was disqualified for cheating on the route by Athletics Kenya Coast Branch Chairman Dimmy Kisalu.

In the women’s 42km, Sally Lagat reigned taking just 2:43.53. Lagat accelerated from the leading pack after 30km and never looked back.

Rebecca Cheroitich (Kisii) and Caroline Jepkoech (Nandi) clocked 2:45.07 and 2:45.34 respectively for the silver and bronze medals.

Both the men’s and women’s 10km races were dominated by runners from Machakos Athletics Club.

In the 10km men’s race, Patrick Mwaka won in 33 23.42 with James Maina (Limuru) clocking 33:31.70 and Mwangia Muia (Machakos) coming in at 33:37.57 to claim the second and third slots.

In the 10km women’s race, Victoria Kanini of Machakos won in 39.45.00. Defending champion Jane Mwikali came second in 40:17.86. Martha Akeno was third with a time of 41:21.10.

Athletics Kenya Vice Presidents Jackson Tuwei and Paul Mutwii and former world marathon women champion Catherine Ndereva graced the race.