Kenyan runners had a challenging day at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, but CyBrian Kotut and Stephen Kiprop still earned significant payouts with their strong performances.
Kotut finished in 2:03:22, securing second place behind Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, who won with a time of 2:03:17. Another Ethiopian, Haymanot Alew, took third, finishing in 2:03:31.
Kiprop placed fourth with a time of 2:03:37, highlighting a shift in the marathon landscape, as five-time champion Eliud Kipchoge did not participate this year.
The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its substantial prize money, distributing funds to all top 10 finishers.
Kotut pocketed $11,300 for his runner-up position, plus a bonus of $16,950 for finishing under 2:03:30, totaling $28,250 (Ksh3,636,138). Despite his strong effort, Kiprop missed the time bonus but still earned $6,780 (Ksh872,673) for his fourth-place finish.
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In a disappointing outcome for Kenyan women, none managed to finish in the top 10, with Pauline Esikon being the highest-placed Kenyan in 16th. Ethiopian runners dominated the women's race, securing seven of the top 10 positions and achieving a clean sweep for their country.
