Kenyan Athletes Win Ksh11 Million After Top 3 Finish in Hong Kong Marathon

Three Kenyan athletes have scooped a combined Ksh11 million after emerging victorious in a prestigious race in China.

The trio of Bethwell Kipkemboi, Kennedy Kipyeko, and Vincent Kiprono emerged first, second, and third respectively at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, making light work of their opponents on Sunday, February 9.

Kipkemboi clinched first place on a chilly morning in Victoria Park, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 13 seconds. He was closely followed by his Kenyan counterpart Kennedy Kipyeko, who secured second place with a time of 2:11:36.

Anderson Seroi, who won the same marathon last year, had to settle for third place with a time of 2:11:40.

Kipkemboi credited his victory to the intense competition from his compatriots, saying, “I’m happy for them; they were challenging me, and I was so nervous. The fans were amazing, and the people in Hong Kong were very friendly. It was a tough race, but the preparation I did back in Kenya paid off.”

The talented athlete also admitted the Ksh 8.3 million (US$65,000) cash prize, which goes to the overall winner in the men’s race,  was another strong incentive to win the marathon.

Runner-up Kipyeko, who emerged second, effectively winning KSh 3.8 million (USD30,000) expressed his admiration for Hong Kong, promising to return next year with his sights set on winning.

“I like Hong Kong; I’ve never run in China before,” he said. “This was my first time, and I was excited to come here—it was my dream. Next year, I’ll come back and win the title. I love the food, the weather, and how welcoming the people are—I like everything here.”

Unfortunately, there were no Kenya heroics in the women’s category as 35-year-old Volha Siarheyeuna Mazuronak from Belarus won the race in 2:27:00, ahead of Emebet Niguse Mamo (2:28:02) and Tadelech Bekele Nedi (2:28:15).

Dig Deeper: Despite the three Kenyans’ heroics. the Hong Kong marathon was not short of bizarre incidents. According to the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA), over 900 injuries were reported during the event.

This was a small fraction of the grand scheme of things as the races were competed by over 74,000 professional runners and marathon enthusiasts.

Three Mainland runners whose bib numbers did not match their identities were also dealt a blow as they were disqualified despite securing top finishes.