Records tumble at MTN Marathon as Kiplimo and Adero reign

In near perfect running conditions, Phillip Kiplimo and Nyakisi Adero not only earned tIn near perfect running conditions, Phillip Kiplimo and Nyakisi Adero not only earned their first biggest career wins, but both broke the course record at the MTN Kampala Marathon to earn an extra Shs12.5m on top of Shs20m cash prize.
More than 20,000 runners braved the chilly Sunday morning that later had light showers to participate in the greatest run in Uganda.
While for most this was a pleasant outing, for Kiplimo and Adero it was all business. Kiplimo took no prisoners as he immediately shot into the lead and progressed to destroy the opposition. Challengers including; Allan Andiema, Alfred Kiptoyek, Ethiopian Habte Guta Bira, Patrick Kiptalah, Daniel Rotich, Francis Musani and Soyekwo Kibet, kept Kiplimo in check for most of the race. Yet Kiplimo was clearly leaving nothing to chance and continued to hammer the pace, eventually coming home in 2 hours 13 minutes - a handsome five minutes inside last year’s course record of 02:18:27 set by Joshua Chemutai. Kiplimo, who was third that time took the Shs20m cash prize for winning the race.

Fred Musobo and Anthony Ayeko completed the podium places as Uganda swept the event.
“I took control of the race,” said Kiplimo. “I knew early on that I was in good shape and decided to push for the record. I am really happy to break it by such a margin.” Excited Adero
In the women category, Adero came in under the previous record, finishing in 02:41:11 to get her hands on the Shs20m cash prize and will take her Shs12.5m share as well. The 33-year-old Prisons Club athlete competed for the top slot alongside Prisons teammate Vanis Chemutai, who came in second four minutes later with a time of 02:45:42. Ethiopia’s Kadist Fiseha Tedla rounding up the top three (02:47:01). Adero who is making her way back after giving birth, had her best time four years ago when she ran 2:34 in Netherlands but coming from the 10th position finish last year to win still excites her.
“I had no idea it would turn out to be a record. I just went off, ran my own race and kept going. Breaking the record was a bonus for me,” Adero said.
Kiplimo again
The 21km race was won by Uganda’s rising star Jacob Kiplimo, Felix Chemonges clung on to second place, Titus Kibet rounding out the top three. Kiplimo ran the 42km race last year but wanted to test his endurance ahead of a race in Brazil in December. Julius Chekwel led another all-Ugandan finish in the female half marathon with Doreen Chemutai in second and Dorcus Ajok, who is switching to long races finishing third. There were more than 300 foreign runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, TZ, Rwanda and South Sudan but the top prizes eluded them.
Proceeds from the marathon will be used towards maternal healthcare in Uganda by ensuring safe childbirth.