Uganda will mark 50 years of independence from colonial masters Britain on October 9 this year. Stephen Kiprotich’s victory in the marathon at the London Olympics today will add a lot of value to that day particularly in the sports archives of the Pearl of Africa. His time of 2:08:01 helped him reach the finish line first at the Mall. At aroun 10:30 EAT, the Uganda national anthem will be played for its only second time since John Akii-Bua’s heroics in the 400m hurdles final at the Munich Olympic Stadium in 1972.
At 23, Kiprotich’s success lifted Uganda to 50th position on the London Olympics medal table, just on level with on level with Algeria, Bahamas, Venezuela and Grenada.
Marathon History
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards) is usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon (the namesake of the race) to Athens.
The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events in 1896, though the distance did not become standardized until 1921. More than 500 marathons are held throughout the world each year, with the vast majority of competitors being recreational athletes.
Men’s marathon Results
1. S. Kiprotich (UGA) 2:08:01
2. A. Kirua (KEN) 2:08:27
3. W. Kipsang (KEN) 2:09:37