Dog denies Kenyan marathoner precious win in Buenos Aires

Comfortably in control and probably contemplating a win on Sunday 24 September, Kenyan marathoner Robert Kimutai Ngeno will look back at the events in the 38th edition of the Buenos Aires Marathon in Argentina and ask: “How could this happen?”

The 29 year old, as it seems, had his quest for a win in the 42km marathon in the streets of the South American city curtailed not by his opponent, or even himself, but by a random dog.

The bizarre occurrence happened as the race leader got to the 38km mark, when an unleashed dog emerged (out of the blues) and engaged him in a hot pursuit from behind, before a small crowd of spectators on the streets came to his aid; chasing the unwelcome visitor away.

As per various reports, the unsettling encounter did have larger consequences for Kimutai, who crossed the halfway mark (21km) at 1:03.21, as he seemed to suffer from disrupted concentration, seeing him drop from first to a final third placed position.

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After taking the race lead at the 25km mark, Kimutai, who was on pace for a 2:06 finish, finished in 2:10.16, behind his fellow Kenyans: Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat - winner- and second placed finisher Paul Kipngetich Tanui.

Kibet timed 2:08:29 with Kipngetich clocking a personal best time of 2:09.57.

The unfortunate event seemed to trigger Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei as he wrote on X: “Marathoner Robert Kimutai Ngeno was attacked by a dog in Argentina during a marathon event last Sunday where he secured third position. Unfortunately the incompetent CS Ababu of sports and lethargic Athletics kenya has not found it wise to protest and call for investigations by Argentina authorities! The athlete was robbed of his dignity and subjected to untold ridicule.”

A win for Kimutai would have seen him win a cash prize of Ksh.1.1 million.