Muscat: Vitalis Kibiwott claimed the men’s crown in the 42.2 km Al Mouj Muscat Marathon 2024 here on Friday. The Kenyan athlete finished the full marathon in two hours 10 minutes and 12 seconds to emerge champion. Ethiopians Berhanu Tarto (2:13:15) was second and Tsega Diriba (2: 17:13) finished third. More than 12,000 runners from across the world were in action at the Al Mouj Muscat for the elite marathon runners.
In the women’s category, Kenya’s Caroline Kimosop (2:33:05) emerged champion followed by Asmare Bayene of Ethiopia (2:33:10) and Irene Jerobon (2:34:03) of Kenya.cIn Al Mouj Full Marathon for Omanis, Mohsin al Hatmi (2:42:58) topped the men’s section while Rayyan al Riyami won the women’s honours.cIn the 10 km for men, Yassir Ech Chaachoui (00:29:34) came first followed by Amine Souida (00:31:51) and Abdullah al Quraini (00:32:13). In the 10 km for women, Victoria Robinson claimed first spot followed by Gerd Inger Brunborg in second and Sandra Pretorius in third position.
In Ooredoo half-marathon 21.1 km race for men, Naman Kipyeko of Uganda (01:01:17) came first followed by Barnabas Kosgei of Kenya (01:01:51) and Kenya's Abel Mutal (01:02:16).cIn women’s section, Beatrice Begi of Kenya (01:10:50) won the top prize with Mateiko Stella of Kenya (01:13: 03) in second and Meswat Asmare of Kenya (01:13:06) in third spot.cIn Omani section, Jihad al Muharmi was the top male athlete while Hessa al Fudhalah claimed the women’s prize.
This year’s marathon featured five categories: the 42.2 km Marathon, the 21.1 km Half Marathon (open to participants aged 17 and above), a 10 km race (participants aged 15 and above), a 5 km race (participants aged 12 and above), and a Children’s Race category with tracks of 1 km, 2 km, and 3 km. The races for children and youth will be held on Saturday.
Samira al Shukaili, the Director of the Sports Activity Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said that the ministry’s support for the marathon comes in fulfilment of the strategic vision of Omani sports towards a sporting society, adding that the health and well-being of society is the highest priority. Ali bin Sulaiman al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports Company, the organising company of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, said: “The marathon highlights the importance of practicing physical activity from a young age, and the range of sporting activities available in the Sultanate of Oman throughout the year.”
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