Cosmas Muteti wins the Vienna City Marathon

Kenya’s Cosmas Muteti Matolo took the top honors with the second fastest time ever at the 39th edition of the Vienna City Marathon that was held on April (24) in Vienna, Austria.

Muteti was among the 17 runners including the three pacers who passed half way mark in 1:03.21 and then went on to a 30k split time of 1:30.12.

The pacers dropped out at the same time right after the 30k mark and the race for victory was on immediately. It was Eritrean Oqbe Kibrom, who was the fastest athlete on paper with a personal best of 2:05.53 that he got at the 2020 Valencia marathon that surged ahead instantly. However with kilometer splits of 2:54 and 2:51 for the 31st and 32k mark, Kibrom misjudged his potential and the picture changed with Muteti taking charge with a strong kick that Kibrom failed to respond to it. The Kenyan, who is coached by former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau, surged ahead cutting the tape in a new personal best of 2:06.53.

Kibrom was later on over taken by Leonard Langat also from Kenya who crossed the line in a time of 2:06.59 with the latter left with no option but to settle in third place in 2:07.25.

“This is my biggest victory. I hope to be able to defend my title here next year and then may be take on the course record,” said Muteti.

Charles Ndiema   and Raymond Chose both from Kenya finished in fourth and fifth place in a time of 2:08.12 and 2:08.13 respectively.

LEADING RESULTS

42KM MEN

1. Cosmas Muteti       (KEN) 2:06.53
2. Leonard Langat      (KEN) 2:06.59
3. Oqbe Kibrom           (ERI)  2:07.25
4. Charles Ndiema      (KEN) 2:08.12
5. Raymond Chose      (KEN) 2:08.32