07 August 2021 | Athletics

Ugandan runners Chemutai Immaculate and Juliet Chekwel made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women’s marathon after finishing 16th and 69th on Saturday morning.

Even though the duo were out of podium places, they set new milestones becoming the first pair to run in the same women’s marathon for Uganda in Olympic history.

Chemutai’s tough fight to reach the tape in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 23 seconds among the top 20 was the best position Uganda has ever attained in the women’s marathon at the Olympics.

It was the third time Uganda was having representatives in the event after Jane Suuto and Nyakasi Adero featured at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 editions respectively.

Chekwel’s performance registered as her season best following her sharp start with the leading pack before she dropped off to post 2:53:40.

The grueling marathon - under sweltering conditions of 28C - was won by Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir who ran a season best of 2:27:20 to claim gold.

World record holder Kosgei Brigid from Kenyan won silver also with a season best of 2:27:36, USA’s Seidel Molly taking up the final podium spot in 2:27:46 - a season best as well.

Kenyan world champion Ruth Chepngetich - who won gold in 2019 Doha - pulled up after losing touch with the leaders at 30km suffering a DNF.

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