Kenya's Rotich wins in Nairobi on marathon debut

NAIROBI: Kenya's Hosea Kiprop Rotich won the Nairobi International Marathon on Sunday on his debut over the distance.

Rotich, 25, clocked two hours 10 minutes and 21 seconds for victory almost three minutes ahead of Kipchoge Kiplagat (2:13:06). Ugandas Alex Maringa was third in 2:13:09.

"I am happy with the course, with this result," Rotich, who has previously only run 10 km road races, told reporters. "I want to take on the some of the world's toughest courses. It is a good start for me."

Last year's runner-up Irene Cherotich won the women's race in 2:32:39 ahead of China's Zhang Xin (2:37:26) and former Paris marathon champion Beatrice Omwanza (2:39:07).