Kenyans shine in China's Kaohsiung Marathon

Kenyan athletes carried the day in the 2023 edition of the Kaohsiung Marathon that was held in China on Sunday 26 November.

In the men's category, Kenyans swept the top seven positions.

Former Sri Lanka Marathon champion Stephen Mungathia Mugambi outclassed a strong contingent to emerge victorious in 2:14:58 while Careen Mwetich Cheptoek won the women's category in 2:40:28.

Mugambi was leading from the first minute, and by the time he crossed the finish line, none of his competitors were in sight. In fact, Joseph Ngare came in second in 2:18:17, more than four minutes short of Mugambi's time. Lukas Muteti settled for the third position after running under 2:20:52.

Mugambi who finished ninth at the 2021 Enschede Marathon was looking to end his season with a bang after improved performances that saw him finish third at the Jakarta Marathon. That win kicked off his season in style.

The women's race was even competitive, with 2023 Roan Antelope Half Marathon champion Careen Cheptoek emerging victorious in 2:40:28 to set a personal best. She was followed closely by Priscilla Kipruto who crossed the mark in 2:45:28 ahead of Monica Ndiritu who completed the podium in 2:49:22.

Cheptoek who was in the hunt for revenge led from the opening shot to the finish line to shine in the race. The 30-year-old kickstarted her season with a disappointing 15-place finish at the Kigali International Peace Half Marathon and was looking to bounce back to glory.

The theme of the event was 'Run Ahead Run Beyond', and was aimed at encouraging participation of diverse ethnic groups, as well as promoting equality in sports. This year's edition included the visually impaired groups divided into male and female categories. It was also aimed at building Kaohsiung into a sports-friendly city.

Men

Stephen Mugambi 2:14:58

Joseph Ngare 2:18:17

Lukas Muteti 2:20:52

Women

Careen Cheptoek 2:40:28

Priscilla Kipruto 2:45:28

Monica Ndiritu 2:49:22