Kenyan marathon runner Robert Kimutai Ngeno on Sunday, 24 September, encountered an unexpected obstacle during the 38th edition of the Buenos Aires Marathon in Argentina.
29-year-old Ngeno was already displaying an impressive performance, clocking 1:03.21 at the halfway mark.
Moreover, the marathoner took the lead from the 25km point up to the 38km mark. It seemed like victory was within his grasp as he aimed for the Ksh1.1 million winner’s prize.
However, fate had other plans, a stray dog appeared out of nowhere and began chasing him relentlessly, disrupting his concentration and causing him to momentarily lose focus on the race.
Despite the dog’s unexpected attack, Ngeno’s spirit remained unbroken. Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of a small crowd of spectators, the dog was chased away, allowing him to continue his pursuit of the finish line.
However, the bizarre incident which tested his resilience and determination made him drop from the leading group of two that included 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Paul Tanui and Cornelius Kiplagat.
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A Well Fought Finish for Kenyan
Ngeno, who is under the tutelage of coach Willy Langat of Kelite High Altitude Training Camp in Nakuru, showed remarkable resilience.
He pushed through the adversity, fighting off both the dog’s distraction and formidable competitors including his compatriot, Edwin Kiptoo.
In a stunning display of determination, Ngeno secured a third-place finish with a time of 2:10.16.
His compatriot, Edwin Kibet Kiptoo, crossed the finish line just five seconds later, claiming the fourth position.
The ultimate victory in the Buenos Aires Marathon went to Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat, who completed the race in 2:08.29, while Paul Kipngetich Tanui secured second place with a new personal best time of 2:09.57.
Online Uproar
News of Ngeno’s dog encounter during the marathon has sparked uproar among Kenyans online.
Many have expressed their outrage and disappointment, questioning the response of sports authorities.
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Online comments highlight concerns about the athlete’s dignity and the need for an investigation by the Argentine authorities.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei reacted blaming Sports Cabinet Secretary and the Athletics Kenya for what he terms as lack of protests and call for investigations.
“Marathoner Robert Kimutai Ngeno was attacked by a dog in Argentina during marathon event last Sunday where he secured third position. Unfortunately, CS Ababu and Athletics Kenya have not found it wise to protest and call for investigations by Argentine authorities,” said the Senator on X (formerly Twitter).
However, some Kenyans reacted to the Senator urging him to protest without dragging CS Namwamba into the issue.
“The athlete was robbed of his dignity and subjected to untold ridicule,” added Cherargei.
