08 November 2021 | Athletics

Ugandan runner Victor Kiplangat is thrilled to have won his first marathon - in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday.

The 21-year old upstaged contenders Kenyans Moses Kemei, Robert Kipkemboi and fellow countryman Solomon Mutai in the last mile of the race to walk away with the top honours.

He ran 2:10:18 to win Kipkemboi crossing the finish line second in 2:10:23, Mutai third and Kemei fourth with 2:10:25 and 2:10:28 respectively.

“I am thrilled to have won my debut marathon, but I knew that I was in good shape,” said Kiplangat, who is a training partner of Olympic 5000m champion and world record-holder Joshua Cheptegei.

“I train in very hilly terrain and was confident that I would be strong in the final section. Joshua is my idol and he helps me a lot."

Kiplangat believes he now has the potential to run 2:05 to 2:06 in his next marathon next year. “If I achieve such a time on a flat course, I hope to get selected for the World Championships marathon next summer,” he said.

“And then I would love to come back to Istanbul to defend my title.”

Men's Results
1 Victor Kiplangat (UGA) 2:10:18
2 Robert Kipkemboi (KEN) 2:10:23
3 Solomon Mutai (UGA) 2:10:25
4 Moses Kemei (KEN) 2:10:28
5 Bernard Sang (KEN) 2:10:59
6 Daniel Kibet (KEN) 2:11:09
7 Mengistu Nigatu (ETH) 2:11:15
8 Tiruneh Chalachev  (ETH) 2:11:21

Recent Comments