Douala I International Marathon : Kenyans Emerge Champion

Thirty-year-old Kenyan, Tarus Simion Kiplimo, has received a symbolic cheque worth FCFA 2.5 million as first prize in Douala International Marathon 2022 from the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, in the presence of the President of the Cameroon Athletics Federation. “There were over 4,500 athletes from 22 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and America who competed in disciplines like marathon, semi-marathon and family walk – indicating the importance of the race,” the Minister said.
The Kenyan athlete emerged overall champion in a 42-kilometre marathon that took participants through the five municipalities of Douala, from the Douala IV Council premises at Bonassama through Deido, Akwa, Bonanjo, Bonapriso, New Bell, Mboppi, Ndokotti, Ange Raphael, Bepanda, Bonateki and back to Deido, then Akwa and, finally, the Besseke ceremonial ground. Tarus Simion did the race in 2 hours 19 minutes 30 seconds. “I feel good and extend my gratitude to organisers who did a wonderful job,” Tarus Simion appreciated. He was closely followed by Cameroonian Foimi Justilin 1 minute 40 seconds later, then another Kenyan Tuwei Hillary Kipketer 11 seconds from the second arrival. They received symbolic cheques worth FCFA 1.5 million and FCFA 1 million, respectively. Foimi Justilin, 22 years old, who hails from Touboro in Adamawa in the North Region, said he was unable to put in his best but wishes to do better next year.
Meanwhile, in the female marathon category, three Kenyans came first, second and third, namely; Lagat Mercy Cheruto, Kipchumba Maurine Jejagat and Kogo Rholex Jelimo. Twenty-seven-year-old Lagat Mercy covered the 42 kilometres in 2hou...