Chepchirchir Wins Seoul Marathon

She becomes the first Kenyan woman to win the race, and breaks a four-year Ethiopian streak.

A significant Kenyan milestone was set in the women’s race at the 84th annual Seoul Marathon on Sunday when Filomena Chepchirchi broke the finish line tape in 2:25:43. She is the first Kenyan woman to win the race and ended a four-year run by rival Ethiopia.

Emebt Etea Bedada of Ethiopia was second (+5 seconds), while Yeshimebet Tadesse Bifa was third in 2:26:18. Kim Sung-eun was the highest-placing Korean runner (fourth) with a time of 2:27:21.

In the men’s race, Franklin Chepkwony made it look easy. The 28-year-old Kenyan clocked in at 2:06:59 to take the title in the South Korean capital. Chepkwony is the race’s fifth Kenyan champion in the past six years.

For dipping under 2:10, Chepkwony earned $80,000.

Second place went to Ethiopia’s Leche Shumi Dechase, who ran a personal best 2:07:12. His countryman Seboka Dibaba Tola was a further 15 seconds back in third.

A South Korean man has not won the race in six years. Seong Ji-hoon was the top runner from the host nation on Sunday, finishing 13th.

For More: IAAF