Kenyan runner Chumba wins Buenos Aires marathon

Kenyan runner Bethwel Kibet Chumba won the Buenos Aires International Marathon on Sunday, completing the 42.195-kilometre course in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 23 seconds.

The 35-year-old was followed on the podium by Rwanda’s John Hakizimana, who finished in 2:08:39, and Kenyan Felix Kiptoo Kirwa, who clocked 2:10:24.

The race, one of South America’s leading road-running events, started at 7am at the junction of Figueroa Alcorta and Dorrego avenues and attracted 16,384 runners.

Of those, 10,615 were Argentine and 5,769 were foreign athletes representing 64 countries across five continents. All 24 of Argentina’s provinces and autonomous jurisdictions had at least one representative, while 5,246 of the participants were women.

The 42nd edition of the race was organised by the Asociación de Carreras y Maratones Ñandú and carried a World Athletics Label.

The route took runners through some of Buenos Aires’ best-known neighbourhoods and landmarks, including Palermo, Recoleta, Retiro, Puerto Madero and La Boca, as well as the Obelisk, Teatro Colón, Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The race caused traffic disruption across the city, with successive full road closures along the route until the afternoon, as well as restrictions affecting access to the Illia motorway and several major avenues.

The organisers had announced a strong international elite field, with runners from Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda among those taking part.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s Rebecca Kangogo Chesir was the winner in 2:23:36. Her compatriots Rodah Jepkorir Tanui finished second in 2:24:49 and Emmah Cheruto Ndiwa third in 2:26:55.

Among Latin American runners, Chile’s Ricardo Rojas was the highest finisher, placing seventh overall in 2:14:47. Colombia’s David Gómez González was eighth in 2:15:23, while Argentina’s Ignacio Erario finished ninth in 2:16:42.

Erario, from Mendoza province, was crowned Argentine national champion after completing the race in 2:16:42. He was followed on the national podium by Ignacio Reyes of Allen, Río Negro, in 2:21:46 and Salta’s Esteban Angulo in 2:23:01.

In the women’s Argentine championship, Misiones-born Chiara Mainetti took the title in 2:38:25. Mar del Plata’s Anahí Castaño finished second in 2:44:21, while Mercedes Piredda was third in 2:48:11.

Mainetti was also the highest-placed Latin American woman, finishing 48th overall. Castaño placed 103rd and Piredda 142nd.

– TIMES/AFP/NA