Jay456watt
JF-Expert Member
- Aug 23, 2016
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- 7,992
Kenya was once again thrust into global limelight on Sunday after Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge led the country’s team in registering a sterling performance at the 2018 Berlin Marathon.
Widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge ran a time of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds to beat Dennis Kimetto’s world best of 2:02:57; set in Berlin back in 2014.
Kipchoge’s supreme running put him a class above the field with Amos Kipruto and former World record holder Wilson Kipsang ensuring Kenya claimed a clean podium sweep in second and third respectively.
Gladys Cherono also completed a brilliant Kenyan double with a winning time of 2:18:10, setting a new women’s record at the German capital.
It was indeed a day of delight not only for the country, but more so for the champions who will continue basking in glory even as they smile all the way to the bank.
For 33-year-old Kipchoge, he will be walking away with over Ksh.10 million from the Berlin Marathon not to mention other prizes from his sponsors.
Citizen Digital established that in the Berlin Marathon, the first male and female runners are given cash rewards of about 50,000 US dollars each (Ksh. 5 million).
An additional prize of around 69,000 USD (Ksh.7 million) is also up for grabs to the champion who sets the world’s best time.
The prize money varies across the different marathons, with the Dubai Marathon billed as the most lucrative.
At least $200,000 (Ksh.20 million) is awarded to each of the first-place male and female winners. The bonus for setting the World’s Best time is $100,000 (Ksh.10 million).
The Boston Marathon is seen as the second most rewarding. The top male and female finishers receive at least $150,000, with second place earning $75,000.
In the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon and Tokyo Marathon the winners take home at least $130,000, $100,000 and $80,000 respectively. This, not including the prize for setting the world record.
The first male and female champion to cross the finish line receive $55,000 (Ksh.5.5 million) each at the London Marathon.