Irene Jerotich Kosgei Wins Singapore Marathon

The women’s winner had wanted to run under 2:30, but weather was a factor.

Irene Jerotich Kosgei of Kenya won a warm and humid Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon this weekend. Her finishing time was 2:35:22. Kosgei won the Commonwealth Games marathon earlier this year.

On the streets of Singapore, she edged out Ayelu Lemma Geda of Ethiopia who finished just nine seconds behind her. Kosgei netted a $50,000 purse for her victory.

“I can say the race is really nice although it was a little bit humid,” said Kosgei. “The course is very, very stable. I have no problems with my run. However, I couldn’t run under 2:29.00 because of the weather.”

In the men’s race, Kenneth Mungara broke the tape first in 2:14:32. Mungara won the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon in September.

“The Singapore race is good and enjoyable but also very hot,” Mungara said. “I broke away at the 30 km mark and I knew that if I maintained my pace, I would win.”

A record 60,000 runners took to the streets of the Asian city to run the marathon as well several other races held in conjunction.

For More: IAAF