Kenya scores a double at Seoul International Marathon
Seoul – Kenya’s Franklin Chepkwony cruised to a comfortable victory in the men’s race at the 84th Seoul International Marathon on Sunday (17), while his compatriot Flomena Chepchirchir won the women’s competition to complete the first ever Kenyan double at the only IAAF Gold Label Road Race in Korea.
Chepkwony, 28, crossed the line in 2:06:59 to become the fifth Kenyan men’s champion in the past six years in the Korean capital. He took home $80,000 for winning the race under 2:10:00 in what was his first victory over the classic distance.
Ethiopia’s Leche Shumi Dechase finished second in 2:07:12, setting a new personal best while Seboka Dibaba Tola, another Ethiopian, was third in 2:07:27.
Chepchirchir, 31, crossed the line in 2:25:43 to become the first Kenyan woman to win the Seoul International Marathon and end Ethiopian runner’s winning streak at four.
Two Ethiopian runners took the remaining spots on the podium. Emebt Etea Bedada was second in 2:25:53, her new personal best by almost nine minutes. Yeshimebet Tadesse Bifa finished third in 2:26:18, which was also a personal best. Read more
