The duo managed top slots with Mutai setting a season best of Kiprotich posted in the wet and lightly rainy conditions as Jackson Kiprop managed a distant 80th in The marathon got underway with a terrific pace as Ugandans; Mutai, Kiprop and Kiprotich fought their way to the lead, Kenyans Kipchoge and Biwott also drawing close.
After finding their way to the top, Kipchoge, Stanley Biwott, Mutai, Kiprotich and Kiprop all shared water as they chatted amidst the race after Kipchoge attempted to break away from the leading group after 15 Km, but he later reunited with his Kenyan compatriots. Defending champion Kiprotich nudged close to the front by negotiating his way from the edges after A few minutes later, Mutai had his time at the top when he took the mantle alongside Kiprop, who by the Kiprotich grabbed the lead after one hour and approximately six minutes and kept the position till Kipchoge took over after ten.
He then became the first Ugandan to break away from the leading group, just before Kiprop who also fell off. By the time mark, Mutai was the only Ugandan upfront. With 9 Km to go, leader Kipchoge threw off his hat and increased his pace.
Mutai also fell off the first group. Kipchoge looked back at one moment as he passed 40km in with Lelisa 36 seconds back and Rupp another 12 seconds in arrears. He immediately started sprinting and the gap indeed grew in the final two kilometres. He gave the thumbs up to the crowds in the stands in the Sambodromo after going round the museum. He later crossed to earn the greatest athletics triumph of his life in the slowest marathon time of his career.
London Olympic Games gold medalist and world champion Kiprotich came 14th, failing to defend his crown. Buddu County needed an equalizer and post-match penalties to win their maiden trophy in the Masaza Cup tournament that concluded on Saturday after they overcame Gomba at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
