During the 38th edition of the Buenos Aires Marathon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Kenyan runner Robert Kimutai Ngeno encountered an unexpected challenge.
At the age of 29, Ngeno displayed a remarkable performance as he clocked 1:03.21 at the halfway mark, taking the lead from the 25km mark up to the 38km point.
However, an unforeseen obstacle emerged in the form of a stray dog, which suddenly appeared and began pursuing him. This unsettling encounter disrupted his concentration as he grappled with the unexpected threat.
Fortunately, a small crowd of spectators came to Ngeno’s aid, chasing away the dog that had interrupted his race.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Ngeno had been competing with two other athletes, Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat and Paul Kipngetich Tanui, the 2016 Rio Olympics 10,000m silver medalist, making his debut at this distance.
With the dog incident behind him, Ngeno, who is coached by Willy Langat of Kelite High Altitude Training Camp in Nakuru, pressed on, maintaining his composure and ultimately securing a third-place finish with a time of 2:10.16.
Edwin Kibet Kiptoo, his compatriot, crossed the finish line just five seconds later to claim fourth place.
The race was ultimately won by Kiplagat, who completed the marathon in 2:08.29, while Tanui secured second place with a new personal best time of 2:09.57.
