If World and Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich’s words after his Moscow feat early this month were always doubted, then Solomon Mutai should have put the argument to bed. Indeed Uganda has got a lot more talent beyond Kiprotich, like he has always preached after is marvelous stunning performance.
On Sunday, another Ugandan braced the coastal heat and went on to win the Safaricom Mombasa International Marathon 42 km. Mutai, 24, from Bukwo district in eastern Uganda beat local runners to the 42km finish line in 2:14.25. Limuru’s Paul Katisa came second in 2:14.57 while Elijah Kipkemoi in 2:15.22.
The 24 year-old Mutai said: “I am glad to have won this race because winning against Kenyans is the greatest achievement one can ever attain.” Mutai who participated in the Bulgarian half marathon last year finishing 26th said he was now setting his eyes on the London Marathon. He described the conditions of the port city as unfriendly but said he was happy to continue his winning trend that started in Kampala last year where he won a 5,000m event barely a month after finishing fourth in another 10,000m race.
The women’s category was won by Eldoret’s Sally Lagat who clocked 2:43.53. This was her second most outstanding race after last year’s Safaricom Kisumu Marathon where she was seventh. “The weather here is terrible but I thank God for having enabled me to emerge the winner because it is just like a dream,” said the 30 year-old.
More in the ladies category, Kapsabet based Rebecca Cherotich Talla clocked 2.45.07, ahead of Caroline Koech ferom Nandi Hills, Isabellah Cheptu and Hellen Chemengos who clocked 2.45.34, 2.54.06 and 2.55.00 becoming position three, four and five respectively.
MOMBASA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON RESULTS Men’s 42km
1. Solomon Mutai (UGA) 2:14.21
2. Paul Katisa (KEN) 2:14.45
3. Elijah Kipkemoi (KEN) 2:15.22