KENYANS made a clean sweep of the top three spots in both the men’s and women’s Open categories in the Asics Penang Bridge International Marathon, which was held for the first time on the second Penang bridge.
However, it was a neck and neck race in both categories.
Alex Melly, 27, recorded 2:19:49s to emerge tops in the Men Open category, finishing around two minutes ahead of countryman Horsea who clocked 2:21:24s.
Joseph Kiio Mutinda came in third in 2:21:28s.
Melly, who works as a farmer, said he would wake up daily before sunrise to train rigorously for two hours.
“It was a tough race and I’m very happy I managed to win. I may come back next year,” he said, adding that he would use his RM20,000 cash prize to take his family on a tour.
It was Melly’s fourth time in the marathon. He was also the champion back in 2010.
In the Women’s Open, debutant Frida Jepkite Lodepa, 32, clocked 3:04.11s to take home the RM20,000 winner’s purse.
Lodepa, also a farmer, said she would return next year.
“The prize money I won will be used for training purposes to improve my performance,” she said.
Jane Rotich was second in a time of 3:05:20s while Viola Jepchirchir Kimeli clocked 3:08:25s to secure the third place.
The marathon saw the participation of around 62,000 runners.
The Penang Bridge International Marathon 2015 will be held on Nov 22 next year. Early registration will start on March 1.
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