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Kenyan runners dominate Borobudur Marathon
Victorious: Kenyan runner Kiprop Tonui wins the 2017 Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon, clocking in at 2 hours, 26 minutes and 20 seconds in the 42-kilometer race in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday
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span class="inline inline-center">Victorious: Kenyan runner Kiprop Tonui wins the 2017 Bank Jateng Borobudur Marathon, clocking in at 2 hours, 26 minutes and 20 seconds in the 42-kilometer race in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday. He was entitled to an award of Rp 110 million.(JP/Bambang Muryanto)
The rain that soaked the streets around Borobudur Temple did not stop Kenyan runners from dominating the open category of the Jateng Bank Borobudur Marathon.
The international event was divided into two categories, the open category for international runners and the close category for local athletes and running aficionados. Each category was run in three stages — the 10-kilometer, 21-km or half-marathon and the full marathon.
The only non-Kenyan runner who managed to snatch a title was Tariku Demelash Abera of Ethiopia who won the 10-km event.
Tariku said he enjoyed the race especially the scenery and traditional art performances held on the side of the road. “It was a very challenging race for me but it also offered pleasant memories at the same time.”
Tariku also won Rp 60 million (US$4,439.51). The runner-up and the third position went to Gachui Daniel Kiarie and Gilbert Ngenoh of Kenya. In the women’s category, all top three positions were claimed by Kenyan runners. Edinah Jeruto Koech claimed the pole position followed by Monica Watetu Ndiritu and Cynthia Chelangat Towett.
The Kenyan runners also dominated the marathon with Kiprop Tonui crossing the finish line in a time of 2 hours 26 minutes and 20 seconds, followed by Kennedy Kiproo and Cosmas Matolo.
The women’s race was won by Elizabeth Rumokol Chekanan of Kenya, who clocked in at 2 hours, 43 minutes and 14 seconds. Peninah Jepkoech of Kenya was the runner-up followed by Chemutai Immaculate of Uganda who finished third.
As for the women’s half marathon category for international runners, Kenyan runner Rosemary Mumo Katua secured first place followed by compatriots Kipsanai Naomi Jepkorir in second and Too Mercy Jelimo
in third.
Malaysian runner Barnaba Sigei was a surprise runner-up after he finished ahead of Kenyan Joseph Mwangi Ngare in the men’s half marathon in a race that was dominated by another Kenyan runner, Josaphat Kiptanui Too. Barnaba was the only Asian runner who managed to hold off the Kenyan onslaught.
As many as 8,754 runners took part the international event, with 178 of them coming from 26 countries. Kenya had 51 runners and Malaysia 23.
Indonesian marathon runner Agus Prayogo said it was not easy beating the Kenyans because they had dominated the world stage for years. “They are famous for their stamina and are still number one when it comes to winning races anywhere in the world.”
Agus, who won gold in the 10,000-meter event at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, beat out the competition to win the half marathon category for local runners.
Kompas morning daily chief editor Budiman Tanurejo said the results of this year’s marathon could be used by the Indonesia Athletics Association for evaluation purposes.
“We need to ask ourselves why, for example, nobody beats the records set by our legendary 10,000- m runner Eduardus Nabunome? How has the association been grooming its athletes so far?”
