Mombasa, Kenya - Johnson Kemboi survived hot and humid weather conditions today to win the Mombasa International Marathon in 2:12:08, almost 10 minutes faster than Ugandan Alex Mulinga's time of last year.

The marathon this year was dominated by Kenyans and was held around the streets of the Coastal capital starting at 7.30am local time. Even then the humidity and heat was too much to bare and took a heavy toll on the 87 entrants, with one, Eunice Makau being hospitalised for six hours from the effects of a fall and dehydration.

Last year two Ethiopians were taken to hospital and one Kenyan died from dehydration.

Kemboi did not have it easy in terms of competition either, as second placed Jeremiah Miano challenged him throughout most of the race before the eventual winner upped the pace in the final stages.

Midway as they headed towards the industrial district of the Kenya Ports Authority yard, they were already running inside the schedule of last year's time of Mulinga (2:22:01).

The 35-year-old Kemboi who trains in Eldoret said: “ I am impressed with the new time I have set in Mombasa and hope to defend my title next year."

Kemboi was followed by Miano who finished in 2:14:47 while David Korir took third in 2:15:07 following a close tussle in the closing stages which brought the thrill to the low key marathon. 

The women's race which attracted only four runners was won by little known Oliver Mugoma in 2:49.30 who is preparing for Singapore Marathon. She said the Mombasa race was tough because of the weather conditions. She suggested a 6.00am would be the ideal time to do this marathon which is the third and oldest in the Kenyan calendar.

Marita Kioo from Machakos took the second position in 2:58:34 while Alice Tai from Eldoret was third in 3:59:40. 

Willy Mwangi won the in the 10 kilometres men in 32.32 while Dennis Musau took second position in 32.53 followed by Muinde Matheka from Machakos was third in 33:00. 

Peter Njenga for the IAAF

Leading results:
Marathon
Men
1. Johnson Kemboi (Kenya Sky) 2:12:08
2. Jeremia Miano (Individual) 2:14:47
3. David Korir (Individual) 2:15:07
4. Peter Mutua (Machakos) 2:15:13
5. Meshack Maweu (Machakos) 2:15:16
6. Obech Gisemba (Armed Forces) 2:15:04
7. Moses Munyiri (Individual) 2:18:18
8.Benson Osoro (Individual) 2:18:29
9.John Cheboi (Armed Forces) 2:19:09
10. David Kirui (Armed Forces) 2:19:24.

Women
1. Oliver Mugoma (Nairobi) 2:49.30
2. Marietta Kiio (Machakos) 2:58.34
3. Alice Tai (Eldoret) 3:59.40

10 Kilometres
Men
1. Willy Mwangi (Mashambani) 32:32
2. Dennis Musau (St Johns) 32.53
3. Muinde Matheka (Machakos) 33:00.

Women
1. Jane Mula (Machakos) 40:02
2. Katunge Mutune (Machakos) 40:22
3. Mutwa Sammy (Machakos) 49.27