Kenya’s Panuel Mkungo stormed to victory in the men’s race at the 45th edition of the Istanbul Marathon, the only marathon in the world that spans two continents, held on Sunday (5) in Istanbul, Turkey.
The 29 year-old beat race favorites led by defending champion Robert Kipkembo, Benard Cheruiyot and Abraraw Misganaw of Ethiopia who came to this race with the fastest time on paper of 2:06.39 that he got early this year at the Dubai Marathon where he finished in fifth place.
The Coast based wonder boy who came to this race with the eighth fastest time on the start-list of 2:10.20, surprised many when he pulled away from the lead group of three that included Cheruiyot and James Kiplagat and never looked back.
Mkungo who was making his second appearance over the distance led a Kenyan dominated race as they swept position one to five, when he comfortably cut the tape first in a time of 2:12.35 with Sang coming home second a distant later in 2:12.41. Kiplagat wrapped up the podium three finishes in 2:12.44.
“I never expected to win the race, this is a huge surprise. It was very tough, but I felt good. I had hoped to finish in top three,“ said Mkungo.
The race course record of 2:09.44 set four years ago by Kenya’s Daniel Kibet remains standing.
LEADING RESULTS
42KM MEN
- Panuel Mkungo (KEN) 2:10.35
- Bernard Sang (KEN) 2:12.41
- James Kiplagat (KEN) 2:12.44
- Mathew Kemboi (KEN) 2:13.48
- Dominic Kipkirui (KEN) 2:15.45
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