Uganda's Kiplimo, Cheptegei dominate New York City Marathon

Ugandan long-distance runners; Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei on Sunday secured gold and silver medals respectively at the New York City Half Marathon in US.

Kiplimo, the reigning World Cross Country gold medalist secured the 21-kilometre race victory in 1:1.31 with Cheptegei in second position in 1:02.09 while Morroco’s Taibi Zouhair finished third clocking 1:02.18 seconds.  

Kiplimo broke from the group at 15km and battled with Cheptegei and Zouhair up to 18km before he charged to victory. Kiplimo attributes the victory to the perfect prior preparations in Kapchorwa with his friend Cheptegei. It was the first debut for Kiplimo to race at the NYC Marathon and win it.  

Cheptegei the 10,000 metre Olympic champion says, although the weather was cold, he persisted to follow his countrymate so as to secure the 2nd position.

“I thank God for the position, in everything you have to give God glory, we have achieved our plan to return home when both of us are shining”. he said.

Meanwhile, in the women's category, Kenya’s, Hellen Obiri won after crossing the finishing line at 1:07.21 defeating Ethiopia’s Sedeni Teferi who finished the race in 1:07.55.