How Kenyan athletes dominated weekend road races

Kenyan athletes stamped their authority on the roads once again, dominating the Malaga and Stramilano Half Marathons over the weekend with a series of commanding victories. From Spain to Italy, Kenya’s road warriors asserted their dominance, chalking up multiple wins and podium sweeps.

Malaga Half Marathon, Spain

In Malaga, Loice Chemnung led a Kenyan 1-2 finish in the women's race, clocking an impressive 1:05:46. The 2024 Cardiff half marathon winner Miriam Chebet secured second place with a time of 1:07:01, while Uganda's Joy Cheptoyek completed the podium in 1:08:00.

 Chemnung's victory is particularly noteworthy as she rebounded from a DNF at the Osaka Women's Marathon in January. Her recent successes include wins at the Brasov Transylvania International 10km (30:13), Tokyo Half Marathon (1:07:27), and the Hong Kong International 10km (30:25).

The men's race saw Japan-based Gilbert Kipkosgei dominate, finishing in 58:27 and leading a Kenyan sweep of the top five positions. Patrick Mosin took second place with 58:44, and Richard Yator secured third in 1:01:21.

Stramilano Half Marathon, Milan, Italy

In Milan, Simon Mwangi and Morine Gesare triumphed in the 52nd Stramilano Half Marathon despite challenging wet conditions. Mwangi improved upon his third-place finish from the previous year, winning the men's race in 1:00:54. He surged ahead after the 14km mark, finishing comfortably ahead of Burundi's Yves Nimubona, with Charles Mneria securing third place.

Gesare dominated the women's race, crossing the finish line unchallenged in 1:08:47. This victory follows her second-place finish last year, highlighting her consistent performance. Stella Mateiko and Monica Chebet completed the podium, finishing in 1:11:19 and 1:11:25, respectively.

The historic Stramilano, now honoured with a World Athletics Heritage Plaque, has witnessed legendary performances, including Paul Tergat’s world record in 1998 and Moses Tanui’s sub-hour milestone in 1993.