Kenyans dominate Pune International Marathon

Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo of Kenya won the gruelling 42.195 kilometres  men's race in the 27th edition of Pune International Marathon which ended at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Luka set a new course record of 2:13:03 to win the race while compatriot Simon Kiprugut Kirui was second in 2:14:09 and Danel Aschenik Derese of Ethiopia third in 2:1 4:44.

Luka earned a cheque of Rs 3 lakh for his effort. He could have added an additional Rs one lakh to his kitty had he breached the 2:12 mark. He missed it by one minute and three seconds.

The organising committee of the Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT), headed by city Member of Parliament Suresh Kalmadi, had announced an additional bonus of Rs one lakh if a runner breaches 2:12 barrier.

Kenya also displayed their supremacy in the women's 21 kilometres race by sweeping the first three places. Kumulu Pauline Kaveke set a new course record of 1:08:37. The Keyan bettered the previous best time of Musyyoka Helen Nzembi (1:10:11) also of Kenya three years back.

Kumulu Pauline got richer by Rs 1.5 lakhs for winning the race.

The Indian challenge in the men's section fizzled out in the face of a tough competition but Kavita Raut brought some cheers in the Indian camp by  bagging 10th place in the women's event with a time of 1:17:39.

A total of Rs 25 lakhs, which was for grabs saw Paulin getting  by Rs 1.5 lakhs in the  prize in the women's race.

The races were flagged off by London Olympian runner Sudha Singh.