16, 000 runners from no less than 50 countries filled the streets of Jakarta when the biggest running event in Indonesia, the Jakarta Marathon 2016 was flagged off on Sunday, 23rd October 2016. As in all previous editions, the prestigious race once again successfully turned major streets of the capital city, normally jammed with traffic, into one massive running course.
The sky was still dark over the golden "fire tongue" of the iconic National Monument (Monas) and dawn barely broke when thousands of running enthusiasts complete in running gear came to crowd around this Jakarta's most illustrious landmark. Among them were elite international athletes, professional runners, a number of running communities, as well as individuals who simply wanted to test their endurance.
At precisely 05.00 am West Indonesia Time, the chequered flag was raised and runners for the full marathon raced off across the Start line at the Southwest gate of Monas: the marathon was ON. The flag was raised a second time at 05.10 am to start the Half Marathon, followed for the 10K at 05.20 am, and finally for the 5K at 05.30 am.
Starting from the National Monument as the Start and Finish line, runners were presented with some of Jakarta’s most memorable landmarks along the way that include the Old Batavia complex and the Fatahilah Square, the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral, the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, as well as some of the city’s most impressive buildings and skyscrapers in Jakarta’s own Central Business District. Following the exact same route as in previous editions, this Jakarta Marathon route has received certification from the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Nonetheless, different from previous races, pouring rain highlighted this year’s Jakarta Marathon. Although it managed to disperse some spectators to seek shelter, but the rain did in no way deter runners. In fact, many considered it a refreshing blessing since Jakarta is otherwise known for its relatively steamy weather.
After 2 hours 21 minutes and 24 seconds, Kenyan runner, Kennedy Kiproo Lilan, was the first to cross the finish line in the full Marathon Open Man’s category. Also from Kenya, Chepngabit Noah Kipruto took second place, recording a time of 2:23:25, and Felix Kipkorir Kangogo arrived third with recorded time of 2:25:51. Kenyan runners also dominated the Women’s Full Marathon Open category led by Kiplimo Jacqueline Nyetipei in first place with recorded time of 2:42:24. Mercy Jelimo Too who recorded the time of 2:46:32 came in second, followed by Margaret Njuguna in third with recorded time of 2:52:46.
The domination of Kenyan runners also continued to the Half Marathon category. In the Man’s Half Marathon, Joseph Mwangi Ngare emerged as champion followed by Stanley Kipkoech Kirui in second place, and Hosea Kipyego Kogei in third. The Women’s Half Marathon Category placed Peninah Jepkoech Kigen in the top spot, followed by Nancy Joan Rotich in second, and Susan Jemutai Kosgei in third.
The full result of Jakarta Marathon 2016 can be followed at: http://thejakartamarathon.com/2016/language/en/2016-winners-list/
