Man sneaks in for last kilometre of Nairobi marathon to win second place
Julius Njogu was set to win £4,166 in prize money when race organisers noticed he had not even broken into a sweat
A marathon runner accused of hiding in the crowd and then running the final stretch to clinch second place has been arrested for fraud.
Julius Njogu was set to win £4,166 in prize money when race organisers noticed he had not even broken into a sweat.
They later discovered he had joined the three athletes leading Kenya’s Nairobi International Marathon to run the last kilometre into Nyayo National Stadium. The 28-year-old pleaded his innocence as he was frog marched to the track.
Television images showed him arguing with race officials, and even removing his running shoes to show organisers his blistered feet to prove he’d run the entire course.
"I'm second. I didn't cheat since I followed the course unless there was another. I have trained for this marathon and I'm disappointed I'm not recognised," added Njogu.
Through the final few metres, Njogu jogged easily past a weary-looking Shadrack Kiptoo to cross second. Joshua Kipkorir won the men’s race in two hours, 13 minutes and 25 seconds. Elizabeth Rumokoi won the women’s title in 2:29.32.