Kenya scored an unprecedented sweep of the men's and women's titles November 3 at the New York City Marathon. Rodgers Rop and Joyce Chepchumba earned more distance running glory for the east African country.
Rodgers is having a memorable year in marathoning, having won in Boston in April. The 26-year-old Kenyan crossed the finish line in New York in two hours, eight minutes, seven seconds. That's a personal record, and the third fastest time in New York City Marathon history.
Two more Kenyans, Christopher Cheboiboch and Laban Kipkemboi, finished second and third. Meanwhile, former Chicago Marathon champion Joyce Chepchumba won her first title in New York, after three previous top-five finishes. Joyce's winning time: two hours, 25 minutes, 56 seconds.
The English-to-Africa Service of the Voice of America is proud to point out that Joyce Chepchumba is one of the VOA's main spokeswomen in the fight against AIDS in Africa.
For her victory, Joyce Chepchumba earned $105,000 in prize money and bonuses, plus a new Pontiac Vibe automobile. For his part, Rodgers Rop is taking home $115,000 in prize money and bonuses, along with the Pontiac Vibe. Congratulations to Joyce and Rodgers for excellent performances in New York!