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| Sheilah Jerotich wins Istanbul marathon.Photo/Spor Istanbul. |
Running his debut at the classic distance Victor Kiplangat became the surprise winner of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon.
The 21 year-old Ugandan, who is a training partner of Olympic 5,000 m Champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, clocked 2:10:18 after battling with three other contenders in the final mile of the race.
Kenya’s Robert Kipkemboi took second with 2:10:23 while Solomon Mutai of Uganda was third in 2:10:25.
There was even more drama in the women’s race: With just 500 metres to go Kenyan Sheila Jerotich came from behind to then triumph on Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square in 2:24:15.
To make it even more stunning: The runner the 32 year-old overtook shortly before the finish was her sister, Jackline Chepngeno.
While she was the runner-up in 2:24:21, Ethiopia’s Ayantu Abdi followed in third place with 2:24:45. It is most likely unique that sisters took the first two places in a major international marathon.
Results
Men:
1. Victor Kiplangat UGA 2:10:18
2. Robert Kipkemboi KEN 2:10:23
3. Solomon Mutai UGA 2:10:25
4. Moses Kemei KEN 2:10:28
5. Benard Sang KEN 2:10:59
6. Daniel Kibet KEN 2:11:09
7. Mengistu Nigatu ETH 2:11:15
8. Chalachew Tiruneh ETH 2:11:20
Women:
1. Sheila Jerotich KEN 2:24:15
2. Jackline Chepngeno KEN 2:24:21
3. Ayantu Abdi ETH 2:24:45
4. Judith Cherono KEN 2:27:23
5. Fetale Tsegaye ETH 2:28:53
6. Zinash Debebe ETH 2:29:45
7. Emily Kipchumba KEN 2:30:25
8. Betty Chepkwony KEN 2:30:28