Joseph Gitau Kariuki from Kenya has won the 42 km Yoma-Yangon International Marathon competition on Sunday while Myanmar’s Myint Myint Aye won the womens event.
This is the second consecutive time for Kariuki to win the Yoma-Yangon marathon. 2,400 athletes from 42 countries competed the event that included the traditional 42-kilometre run, a half-marathon (21 km) and a 5 kilometre fun run.
The marathon started on Sunday morning from the Thuwanna Indoor Stadium 1 and went across Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Kyimyindine, Insein, Hlaing, Yankin and Thingangyun and ended up back at the starting point.
Kariuki, who was last year’s marathon winner, won the first prize followed by Wei Lin Tun and Soe Naing who came second and third.
Myanmar dominated the 42 kilometre women’s event, with Myint Myint Aye winning first prize, Nila San second and Thida Cho third.
In the men’s half marathon, Kenya’s Paul Kimani Wambi took first place and while Ko San Naing from Myanmar had to be satisfied with third place.
In the women’s half marathon event, Kenya’s Kary Wan-gui Kiguru won first prize after beating Phyu Wah Thet, who was gold medal winner in the last SEA Games.
Myanmar’s Khin Mar Sae came third.
The winners of the men and women’s 42-kilometre races received US$ 2,500 each while second place got US$ 1,500 and third US$ 800.
For the men and women’s half marathon, US$1,500 was awarded to the winner, and US$ 800 went to second and US$ 400 to third.
A 5 kilometre fun run was also included for students and the elderly.-elevenmyanmar.com
