Kenyans dominate marathon in Botswana

Kenyan runners were in a class of their own dominating and winning in both men's and women's categories in the Gaborone City Marathon here.

Luka Chelimo became the overall winner of the race in a clean sweep of the top three positions by the East Africans as compatriot Peris Jepkorir emerged on top in the women's category. Chelimo clocked 2:12:25 ahead of countrymen Ezekiel Tarus and Kennet Kipkemoi with 2:16:57 and 2:17:41, respectively, reports Xinhua.

Chelimo started strongly and led throughout the race with Tarus, who set a new personal best Sunday. Tarus' previous best was 2:19. Chelimo started opening up the lead at the 26km peg. At the time, Lesotho's Thabo Ntlaloe, who eventually finished fifth, was in third place.

After exactly two hours and three minutes, Chelimo, had ran 38 km. Eight minutes later, the 35-year-old had opened an unassailable lead and was cruising to the finish point.

In the women's race, Jepkorir outran her opponents after clocking 2:39:31. She was trailed by Namibia's Leena Ekandjo, who timed 2:41:32 ahead of 2012 winner, Zimbabwe's Samukeliso Moyo, who clocked 2:42:33.

This is the third edition of the Gaborone City Marathon which managed to attract a record 4,000 runners this year.