Kenya’s Eric Kiprono Kiptanui finished second in the Dubai Marathon on Friday.
Kiptanui, who made his 42km debut at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, finished behind Ethiopia’s Olika Adugna Bikila in a time of 2:06:17.
Ethiopians dominated the race, with 10 of the top 11 finishers, and it was the ninth straight victory for the Horn of Africa country in Dubai.
A disappointed Kiptanui said that stomach discomfort slowed him down when it mattered most. The Iten-based runner, however, vowed to try his luck next year.
“The race was good but at 35kms I started feeling a stitch and couldn’t push more. I tried to maintain my pace and at 41kms I pushed a little bit more and managed to finish second.
“The conditions were perfect and I am sure when I come back next year I will win. I am sure I will run a marathon in 2:02 or below in future,” said Kiptanui.
In the women’s race, Boston Marathon winner Worknesh Degefa Debele of Ethiopia won with a time of 2:19.38.
The women's winner also took home $100,000 (Sh10,000,000).
More to follow…
For More of This and Other Sports Stories Subscribe to the Standard Epaper
