Kenyan runners dominate 2016 KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge

Kenyan runners, Mburu John Muiruri and Susan Jemutai Kosgei, made their mark by winning Men's Open and Women's Open categories respectively at the 2016 KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge, today.

Susan crossed the finish line after running up 2,058 steps (288 metres) in just 15 minutes 37.17 seconds.

Susan, who was the 2013 champion, said she stayed for a month in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for challenge.

"I am very glad that I win again this year... It was not really that hard, you just need to have the spirit to beat others to win.

"If I have the chance, I definitely would like to join the race again next year and improve my time," she told reporter after the prize giving ceremony.

Her compatriot, Cheptoeck Careen, who clocked 16:59.19s and New Zealand's Danielle Nant (18:08.59s) won the silver and bronze medal, respectively.

Meanwhile, Mburu set 14:10.58s to beat his compatriot, who was also last year's champion, Enock Kipchirchir Kigen, to win gold medal in the Men's Open category.

Enock clocked 14:12.36 followed by other Kenyan, Julius Mbugua (14:27.19s) to clinched the second and third spots.

Winners of both categories walked away with RM3,000 cash, a challenge trophy, certificate, gold medal and one month gym membership at Celebrity Fitness.

"It was a very happy moment. I feel so much muscle pain right now but it's not a problem, it's worth it," said Mburu.

Anas Rosli and Yuan Yu Fang won the Malaysian men's and women's best timing categories respectively, after crossing the finish line in 14:53.71s and 16:57.40s to grab a RM1,000 cash prize and gold coin.

Results of all categories:

Men's Open:

1. Mburu John Muiruri (KEN) 14 minutes 10.58 seconds 2. Enock Kipchirchir Kigen (KEN) 14:12.36s 3. Julius Mbugua (KEN) 14:27.19s

Women's Open:

1. Susan Jemutai Kosgei (KEN) 15:37.17s 2. Cheptoeck Careen (KEN) 16:59.19s 3. Danielle Nant (NZL) 18:08.59s

Men's Junior Veteran:

1. Jeffrey Ross (SCO) 14:53.40s 2. Hillary Kipkeny Koech (KEN) 14:54.59s 3. Jacob Kibiwot Kitur (KEN) 15:06.58s

Men's Senior Veteran:

1. Khir Salleh (MAS) 16:46.51s 2. Chuah Kean Kok (MAS) 16:48.23s 3. Tan Kok Bing (MAS) 17:05.27s

Women's Veteran:

1. Yuan Yu Fang (MAS) 16:57.40s 2. Margaret Njuguna (KEN) 18:27.50s 3. Yasukk Hosotani (JPN) 19:25.60s

Boy's Junior:

1. Saryu Onishi (JPN) 14:30.97s 2. David Leong (MAS) 15:15.22s 3. Muhammad Asyraf Azman (MAS) 16:08.97s

Girl's Junior:

1. Nur Shammeza Mohd Shamsul (MAS) 21:22.40s 2. Janice Loh Yin Jin (MAS) 21:51.19s 3. Nurshansyina Zulhisham (MAS) 23:44.23s

Disabled:

1. Ahmad Rafee Arifin (MAS) 18:01.57s 2. Mohd Sabki Arifin (MAS) 19:54.46s 3. Ahmad Effendi Azaman (MAS) 22:39.94s