The 2018 Linz Marathon champion Robert Kipkemboi obliterated a strong field to win the men’s N Kolay Istanbul Marathon in 2:10:18, missing out on the course record by 34 seconds.
In the highly contested race, Kipkemboi and Bahrain’s Marius Kimutai managed to break away from the pack of seven athletes at the 37km mark.
The two athletes seemed comfortable until the 40km mark when Kipkemboi increased the pace and never looked back.
Kimutai settled for second in 2:10:27 as another Kenyan, Sila Kiptoo placed third in 2:11:42.
Other Kenyans in the race were Moses Kemei (fourth in 2:11:55), Hillary Kipchumba (sixth in 2:12:02), Benard Sang (seventh in 2:12:10), Samuel Kiplimo (ninth in 2:12:16) and Francis Cheruiyot (13th in 2:16:57).
In the women’s race, Kenyans faltered as Ethiopian trio of Sechale Dalasa, Melesech Tsegaye and Ethlemahu Sintayehu took the first three positions in respective times of 2:25:54, 2:29:01 and 2:31:38.
The best-placed Kenyan was Stacy Ndiwa, who finished fourth in 2:31:53 ahead of compatriot Judith Jerubet (2:32:29).
Mercy Kwambai settled for seventh in 2:39:17.
