Mary Ngugi shifts focus to Boston after stellar Roma-Ostia half marathon performance

Former world half marathon silver medalist, Mary Wacera Ngugi lived up to the billing in the 49th edition of the Roma-Ostia Half Marathon held on Sunday 3 March in Rome, Italy.

Ngugi was in a class of her own, crossing the line in 1:07:38 to register a lifetime best. It was also her first time competing in the Roma Ostia half marathon.

The last time she surpassed that record was during the Houston Marathon eight years ago when she claimed the top honors in 1:06:29.

With the weekend’s success now behind her, the 35-year-old has now shifted gears to the Boston Marathon slated for April 15.

She has a Boston Marathon silver medal in her already glittering cabinet and she will be going for more. Ngugi had her best Boston result in 2021 when she was originally placed at third place before moving up to second place after fellow Kenyan and champion Diana Kipyokei was retroactively disqualified and given a six-year suspension for taking illegal drugs.

“Thank you for having me Ostia. It was windy out there, but good fun and a great experience for me running in Rome for the first time. Congratulations to everyone who crossed the finish line today and thank you to everyone who shouted my name on the way around. It was nice. Onto Boston Marathon, we go," she said,

"Boston holds a special place in my heart, not only for having two podium finishes in the last few years, but for getting married there too! The streets are always amazing, crowds loud and I can’t wait to hit Heartbreak Hill once again with a ridiculously strong field of talented women,” Ngugi said while announcing her return to Boston.

At the Roma-Ostia half marathon, she was followed by Ethiopia’s Mulat Tekle Godu who came home in second place in a time of 1:07.41 with Caroline Korir sealing the podium three finishes in 1:09.01.

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In the men’s category, Emmanuel Wafula outclassed the strong contingent to emerge victorious in 01:01:10. Ahead of Ethiopian Yegzaw Teshager who came in second in 01:01:11 to spoil a clean podium sweep for Kenya.

Kimakal Kipsambu settled for bronze after completing the podium in 01:01:20.

Roma-Ostia half marathon collated results

Women

Mary Ngugi Wacera 1:07:38

Godu Mulat Tekle 01:07:41

Caroline Korir 01:09:01

Abreha Tsige Haileslase 01:09:14

Atanane Soukaina 01:09:59

Men

Emmanuel Wafula 01:01:10

Yegzaw Teshager 01:01:11

Kimakal Kipsambu 01:01:20

Asbel Kiplimo 01:02:57

Eliud Cherop 01:03:50