Kenya’s Cosmas Kigen wins 33rd Zagreb Marathon

Kenya’s Cosmas Kigen won the 33rd Zagreb Marathon, held Sunday on the streets of the Croatian capital.

Running in near-perfect conditions, Kigen crossed the finish line at Ban Jelačić Square with a time of 2:17:16, nearly three minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Bernard Kitur. Zagreb’s Ivan Dračar finished third in 2:27:06.

“I’m happy with the race. It was all good, especially since this was my best time this year,” Kigen said after the victory.

In the women’s marathon, Kenya’s Ruth Nundu Mbatha took first place in 2:41:18, marking her first-ever marathon win. She finished ahead of Croatians Tea Faber (2:48:19) and Hana Malović (2:49:17).

In the half-marathon, Kenya’s Raphael Karita claimed the top spot with a time of 1:02:53.

In the 10-kilometer race, Bojana Bijeljac won the women’s event in 35:40, while Tomislav Novosel took first in the men’s with 29:22.

“It felt good! It’s always nice to run in Zagreb. This is my city, and I’m glad I got to race here again this year,” said Novosel.

More than 5,000 runners from 78 countries took part in this year’s marathon, which featured 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon events across central Zagreb.