Brighton Marathon 2016 Results: Men's and Women's Top Finishers

Duncan Maiyo and Grace Momanyi were the champions in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, at the 2016 Brighton Marathon, both racing a long way clear of their rivals to clinch glory.

The win for Maiyo makes it back-to-back successes in this event, and he bettered his 2015 time with a mark of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds. The Kenyan finished ahead of Raymond Chemungor, who came home in second, while Edwin Kiptoo took third spot.

Momanyi proved to be far too good for her competitors, eventually crossing the line in 2:34:11, a long way clear of Mengistu Asnakech and Wanjiru Peninah, who came home in second and third, respectively.

Here are the top-three finishers in the elite categories and a recap of how the action panned out in Brighton.

Men's Elite	Runner	Time
Women's Elite	Runner	Time
1.	Duncan Maiyo	2:09:51
2.	Raymond Chemungor	2:10:50
3.	Edwin Kiptoo	2:11:23
1.	Grace Momanyi	2:34:11
2.	Mengistu Asnakech	2:35:37
3.	Wanjiru Peninah	2:43:32

Maiyo Makes it Consecutive Wins in Brighton

Situated on the south coast, it’s little wonder the Brighton marathon attracts so many runners every year, with the competitors able to savour one of the most picturesque courses in the country.

Television personality and broadcaster Zoe Ball made her way down to the event to lend some support to the runners involved, getting the race under way, too:

Sports journalist Tom Furnival-Adams provided an insight into the kind of fancy dress options the runners donned:

"

Peppa Pig, a Stormtrooper, Elvis and a Rhino. #motley #ArgusMarathon pic.twitter.com/yoii26A58A

— Tom Furnival-Adams (@Tom_FA) April 17, 2016"

While the event is a day out for people from a wide demographic, there’s a lot of serious competition, too, with elite runners seeking to add glory in this prestigious race to their respective collections.

And with conditions ideal for long-distance running on the south coast, in both the men’s and women’s race, there was a strong pace set.

As noted by the event’s official Twitter feed, with the race well under way, the competitors in the men’s event were on course for the quickest time seen at the Brighton marathon:

Sadly for the spectators, that didn’t materialise, but as the runners approached the final few miles, Maiyo drew on his experiences from 12 months ago to edge ahead.

The leading group gradually began to get smaller and smaller, with the reigning champion upping the ante in the final knockings. And after consecutive miles of 4:44 and 4:41, Maiyo was clear with the finishing line approaching.

The event’s Twitter feed captured the moment he passed the finish line, along with the final three:

Even though Maiyo eventually won by a comfortable margin, the result of the women’s race was much more clear cut, with Momanyi stamping her authority on the contest.

Once again, there seemed to be a sense the course record was going to be broken by a Kenyan, as she strode into a big lead at the 20-mile mark. But with nobody in close quarters, the pace slowed a little in the final miles.

It at least allowed Momanyi to enjoy the late moments of her triumph, as captured here by Furnival-Adams:

"

Grace Momanyi of Kenya is the WINNER of the women's race. Incredible. #ArgusMarathon #BrightonMarathon pic.twitter.com/QUspNGQQYV

— Tom Furnival-Adams (@Tom_FA) April 17, 2016"

While the spectators weren’t treated to any records on the day, the two elite races made for fascinating viewing, and as a returning champion, Maiyo was a particularly popular winner.

The challenge for him will be to return next year, make it three in a row and get even closer to the course record of 2:09:25, set by William Chebor in 2014.