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Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Kenya men dominate; women’s No 1 rues failed record

Bethwell Kipkemboi says ‘challenging’ countrymen were a spur; Belarus’ Volha Mazuronak ‘happy with win’ despite failure to beat 2019 time

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Kenya’s Bethwell Kipkemboi crosses the finish line at Victoria Park to win the Hong Kong Marathon. Photo: Edmond So
Lars Hamer

Kenyan runners dominated the men’s race in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Sunday, while the winner of the women’s race, Belarus’ Volha Mazuronak, was unable to achieve her target of knocking down her 2019 city record.

Bethwell Kipkemboi was the first across the line on a chilly morning in Victoria Park, finishing in two hours, 11 minutes and 13 seconds, with Kennedy Kipyeko taking second in 2:11:36. Their compatriot Anderson Seroi was third with a time of 2:11:40.

Kipkemboi said the pressure of running alongside his national teammates was what pushed him to victory and the US$65,000 (HK$506,000) cash prize.

“I’m happy for them; they were challenging me and I was so nervous,” Kipkemboi said. “The fans were also amazing and the people in Hong Kong were friendly.

“It was so hard. It was a hard course, but I did manage to win because of the preparation I did back in Kenya.

Volha Mazuronak says she came to Hong Kong hoping to break the course record she set in 2019. Edmond So
Volha Mazuronak says she came to Hong Kong hoping to break the course record she set in 2019. Edmond So

“Considering the course, I’m happy with my performance. The last part of the race was difficult, [the section] between 30km and 37km.”

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