Kenyans rule Cebu Marathon

Kenyan runners dominated the 2013 Cebu Marathon as they swept the titles in the 42-kilometer and 21k categories yesterday at the Cebu IT Park.

In last year’s edition, Philippine team member Mary Grace delos Santos prevented a Kenyan sweep but she failed to repeat that this year.

Leading the Kenyan domination was Manila-based David Kipsang and Irene Kipchumba, who ruled the men’s and women’s race in the 42k distance.

Jacky Nzivo and Willy Rotich, on the other hand,  won the crowns in the 21k half marathon.

The Kenyans left the shorter 5k category to the locals as Davao’s Jobert Carolino and Lapu-Lapu’s Jhean Andrin emerged winners.

It was a sweet victory for the 29-year-old Kipsang, who  finished the 42k race in two hours, 30 minutes and 38 seconds for the men’s title.

“I finished fourth in 2010 and second last year so this year is very special for me,” said Kipsang. “I am very happy because I won the top place even though I was not able to beat my personal record.”

Fellow Kenyans trailed Kipsang. At second place was Jackson Chirchir (2:33.39) followed by Cebu-based Douglas Mwiti (2:35.03) while Philip Kipkemei (2:39.05) and Abraham Missous (2:41.49) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Cebuano Noel Tillor was the fastest local runner after placing sixth with a time of 2:43.11.

In the distaff side, Kipchumba crossed the finish line in 3:28.28 followed by fellow Kenyan Patroper Kemboi (3:39.23) and Susan Chepkwong (3:49.27). Local triathlete Amale Jopson was the best local finisher as she placed fourth with a time of 3:58.21.

Rotich clocked 1:07.12 to top the 21k while fellow Kenyans Dennis Isika and Elliud Kering finished second and third, respectively.

Nzivo clocked 1:18.28 to beat last year’s champion Delos Santos (1:20.28)  and Mary Joy Tabal (1:21.44).

Meanwhile, it was another successful run for the Andrin siblings as they took the top three spots in the 5k women’s race.

Jhean and her  younger sister Lovely Fe battled in a photo finish as both had the same time of 21:45. In the end, Jhean emerged on top while Lovely Fe finished second. The youngest Cherry came in third with a time of 21:46.

More than 3,000 runners joined the annual cash-rich marathon held in line with the celebration of the Sinulog Festival.