NAIROBI, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Peter Kosgei on Sunday won the 12th edition of the Standard Chartered Bank (Stanchart) Nairobi International Marathon when he finished the race in a time of 2:12:24.
Kosgei, 26, who is an upstart in marathon running, lent credence to the event being a launching pad to many athletics careers in the past.
"I don't even have a manager and I have never run a major race before. I hope my win in Nairobi will accord me the opportunity of making it big like past winners," Kosgei said during a post-race media interview.
He said he broke away from the pack 200m to the finish to claim victory, and for his efforts, he pocketed 18,000 U.S. dollars.
Close on his heels in second place was Elisha Barno who finished four seconds later in a time of 2:12:28 with the third place going to Kirui Weldon.
In the women's category, Eunice Jeptoo took top honors when she won the event in a time of 2:43:02, followed by Hyline Kwambai in a time of 2:44:15.
Janet Jeruto emerged third in a time of 2:44:31.
Among the athletes who used the event to launch their international career include world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto, the third fastest marathon runner, Geoffrey Mutai and Commonwealth Games champion Irene Jerotich.
Over 17,000 runners took part in the race, which also included the half marathon, 10km, and wheelchair categories for both men and women.