Kenyan Runner Philimon Kiptoo Wins Ksh7 Million After Breaking Istanbul Record

Kenyan marathon runner Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba is set to take home approximately Ksh7.1 million after winning the 48th edition of the Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, November 1.

Kiptoo earned the prize money after delivering a record-breaking performance, finishing the race in 2:08:44 to claim first place.

The athlete will receive USD50,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million) for winning the competition. He will also pocket an additional USD5,000 (about Ksh650,000) after setting a new course record.

Kiptoo’s winning time saw him shave 60 seconds off the previous Istanbul Marathon record of 2:09:44, marking a significant achievement in the prestigious road race.

His performance also secured him a comfortable victory over Ethiopian runner Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto, who finished second after clocking a time just 10 seconds behind the Kenyan.

Kebeto is expected to receive USD20,000 (approximately Ksh2.6 million) for his second-place finish.

The Istanbul Marathon, now in its 48th edition, attracts elite long-distance runners from different countries who compete for top honours and prize money.

Kiptoo’s victory adds to Kenya’s strong presence in international long-distance running, with Kenyan athletes continuing to feature prominently in major road races around the world.

The record-breaking performance also earned the Kenyan a place in the history of the Istanbul race, having improved the previous course mark by a full minute.

With both the overall victory and the course record bonus secured, Kiptoo is expected to leave Istanbul with a combined prize of USD55,000, equivalent to approximately Ksh7.1 million.

LINK: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129049-philimon-kiptoo-pocket-ksh7-million-after-breaking-istanbul-marathon-record?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR8evgMlImfCffUjgcQ7SEehubg0oYSRpO_LUQ9d2DdkJs6VzwSKVk0MoVwWvw_aem_xEw4h3MuCGwmsV7oTSdyMA