30 July 2022 | Athletics

Ugandan long-distance runner Victor Kiplangat stunned the world to win the country's first ever Commonwealth games men's marathon Gold medal in Birmingham on Saturday.

Kiplangat obliterated a field of Kenyans, Tanzanians, and Australians to cross the tape at 2:10:55 after grabbing the lead after the 25km mark.

Alponce Felix Simbu of Tanzania came through in second place in 2:12:29, while Kenya's Michael Mugo Githae took Bronze in 2:13:16.

Kiplangat's success meant he became the first Ugandan to win the Commonwealth Games gold in the marathon.

The race started with Liam Adama from Australia taking the lead through the first 5 kilometers. The pack later closed in before Adama lost the lead after the water station.

With just about 17km to go, Kiplangat surged ahead with Tanzania's Alphonce Felix Simbu not far behind. Liam of Australia had dropped back to 5th.

Kiplangat's lead kept growing, hitting 35km in 1:47:09. He powered home literally all alone to claim Gold, celebrating like no other.

Tanzania's Simbu and Kenya's Giathe completed a 1-2-3 sweep of the medals by the East Africans.

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