Competitors start at the 23rd International Belgrade Marathon Race in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 18, 2010. [Xinhua Photo]

The "Lion of Kilimanjaro" Johnstone Kibet Maiyo from Kenya fulfilled his pre-race boast and was the first runner to cross the finish line at the 23rd annual Belgrade Marathon on Sunday.

Kenyan runners dominated the men's event, taking the top nine positions, while Hellen Wanjiku Mugo also from Kenya grabbed the women's title.

An estimated 20,000 recreational runners joined the 1,300 competitive runners from 32 countries on the route that went through the old parts of the city and down the wide boulevards of New Belgrade.

"The race was difficult, it was hot, but I had enough self confidence," said Kibet Maiyo after finishing the marathon in a time of two hours, 16 minutes and 23 seconds.

"In the 38th kilometer I knew I would win. Kibet Maiyo was the race favorite and had predicted victory. Wanjiku Mugo, the top woman with a time of 2:41:19, recorded the best performance of her career.

"It was windy, and I had problems on the 35th kilometer because of a cramp. I am satisfied with how I ran the race," she told reporters after the race.

The top Serbian runners were Sasa Stolic with a time of 2:41:11 and in the women's category, Lidija Miklos clocked a time of 3:13: 31.