MEXICAN Stephen Njoroge completed his hat-trick of the TT International Marathon titles while, first-time winner Kenyan Hellen Mugo captured the women’s category, on Sunday morning, as they both collected $5,000US in cash prizes.

The 38th edition of the 26.2-mile race began at St Mary’s Junction, in Freeport, shortly after 5 am and ended at Whitehall, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

The slower runners or walkers started at 3.30 am but followed the same course.

Njoroge, who was born in Kenya but represents Mexico, stopped the clock at 2:34:30 and was closely followed by Colombian Jose Ararat Diaz, who clocked 2:35:51.

TTs Collin Pereira was impressive as he placed third in 2:40:48 The 29-year-old Njoroge, who became the fourth person to complete a hat-trick of titles, said," I feel very happy to win today especially because I have defended my title.

My focus was just to win because I have been training for this race for four months." Commenting on the race, he said, "It was nice, I enjoyed the course.

I’m happy with my time; the weather was not too bad today." The three-peat champion is hopeful he can return next year to win his fourth trophy in succession.