Kenya’s Kennedy Kipkemoi Rono triumphed at the 43rd edition of the Sofia Marathon, completing the classic 42.195-kilometre distance in 2:15:21.
The Kenyan runner continued his impressive record on Bulgarian soil, having won the half-marathon in the capital last year.
His compatriot Peter Murithi Wahome finished second, crossing the line 1 minute and 22 seconds behind the winner. Another Kenyan, Hillary Kipchumba, took third place in 2:18:01.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Winnie Jebet claimed the title in a course-record and personal-best time of 2:27:50. Kenyan athletes also occupied all three podium places in the women’s event. Stella Chepkoech finished second in 2:35:00, followed by Chelangat Sang in 2:35:18.
The fastest Bulgarian runners in the marathon were Kolyo Raychinov, who finished ninth in the men’s race in 2:29:32, and Marinela Nineva, who placed sixth in the women’s race in 2:43:11.
Kenyan athletes also claimed all the medals in the half-marathon, BGNES reports.