Mike Rotich, the young brother of Abel Kirui led a host of budding athletes to cheer his brother as he tackled Chicago marathon course in the United States of America.
With much disappointment for fans who turned up to watch the marathon courtesy of Bank of Africa in Kapsabet as Kenyan runners-Abel Kirui and Florence Kiplagat-were the defending champions of the race but all failed to live up their expectations as they all faded away leaving the title to American Galen Rupp and Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba in men and women respectively.
Kirui who was on the course to defend the title lost the title to Rupp and finished second before Bernard ‘junior’ Kipyego coming second while world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto faded away.
Rupp, running on home soil won the race in 2:09.19 while Kirui came second in 2:09.48 before Kipyego completing the podium in 2:10.23.
Dibaba won the women’s race in 2:18.30 followed by Kenyan Brigid Kosgei in 2:20.22 and USA’s Jordan Hassay was third in 2:20.57.
Bank of Africa head of Marketing Jimmy Wanjohi said the wiewerthon process will continue as they seek to support athletes.