Jakarta International Marathon: Birgen and Chesang Give Kenya Double Win

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Kenyan runners dominated the best performers at the 2024 Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) on Sunday, June 23, 2024, as Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen won men's races, and Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang finished in the first place for women's races.

The second place for men's races was secured by Kiprop Tonui while Joseph Mwangi Ngare, Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi, and Bililign Yimer Ali shared the third place. Other than Ali who hails from Ethiopia, all top male runners were Kenyans.

Meanwhile, the top runners in the women's marathon were Chesang in the first place, Careen Cheptoek Mwetich in the second place, and Shauline Chepkirui Koech in the third place. All of them were also Kenyans.

The 2024 JAKIM, held to commemorate Jakarta's 497th Anniversary saw the participation of 232 runners, according to Ramon Armando, Corporate Secretary of state-owned Bank BTN, which sponsored the event.

"The total of participating foreign runners are 232 [...] from 30 different countries throughout the world," he stated.

Kenyan and Japanese runners dominated the foreign runners with 56 and 48 runners, respectively, he added.

The race started at 4 a.m. local time from the National Monument's (Monas') northwest intersection and finished at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Senayan Main Stadium.

There were three categories in the 2024 JAKIM: Full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), and 10-kilometre runs.

Meanwhile, President Director of Bank BTN Nixon LP Napitupulu said he was so thankful for the successful organisation of the 2024 Jakarta International Marathon, and for becoming the race's principal sponsor.

The 2024 JAKIM was organised to support Jakarta's development as a sports tourism destination, he said, adding that he expected the future editions of the agenda would attract more runners.

"We are keen (that JAKIM will) achieve equal status as the London Marathon and New York Marathon joined by more than 50,000 participants," Napitupulu remarked.

ANTARA

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