Kenya Scoops First 17 Positions in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon

Kenyan athletes reminded the world that they are the best when it comes to marathons by beating over 50,000 participants to clinch the first 17 positions in the men's category of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on Sunday.

24-year-old Joshua Kipkorir clocked two hours 12 minutes and 12 seconds to win the race ahead of Felix Kirwa and Andrew Kimutai who came in second and third respectively.

This is my first time here. I like the course, it’s very nice. I have no problems with the heat,” Kipkorir stated.

The ladies did not disappoint either as they bagged all first five positions to complete a podium sweep.

Priscah Cherono was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 2:32:12. Stella Barsosio and Jane Lagat took silver and bronze receptively.

Cherono commented, “Yesterday was so hot, but today the conditions were good. I am so happy I won the race. I came to this race and I prepared myself, so now I’m dreaming.”

The two gold medalists will take home a hefty prize of Kshs 5.1 million each.

Kenyan athletes have been under pressure to reassure the international community that the country can still produce top talent after it emerged that some of them may be using performance-enhancing drugs.

In December, Kenya’s world marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge, was crowned the Male Athlete of 2018 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

This came after the Olympic champion set a new world record during the Berlin Marathon where he beat the then leading time by 78 seconds.

  • .