Kenyan perennial athletics rivals Ethiopians failed to live to their expectations, dominate Lotto Baringo Half marathon race today in Kabarnet, Baringo County.
As praises echoed the air for Isaac Kipkoech who defended his 21km men’s title as Lucy Cheruiyot, the reigning Valencia half marathon silver medalist took home the women honours.
Kipkoech became the first ever athlete to defend his title in the annual competitive event when he cut the tape in 61:47 beating Isaac Kibet who pushed him to the limit until the final kilometre.
Kibet came in second timing 61:54 while Sammy Kiprono completed the podium in 62:02.
Ezra Sang (62:12) and Donald Mitee (62:42) took the fourth and fifth places respectively. Shadrack Kiplagat (62:54), Abel Kipkemboi (63:10), former champion Hosea Mwok (63:15), Bernard Kipkemboi (63:38) and Luke Kibet (63:46) followed in that order.
Cheruiyot won the following a heavy challenge from Naomi Chebet and Joy Kimuma.
Cheruiyot clocked 72:19 totake the title followed by Chebet in 72:22 and Kimuma’s 72:52 for second and third positions.
Maureen Jepkemoi (1:14.0) and Antonina Kwambai (1:14:05) completed the top five places.
Ever green,the 2015 IAAF world under-18 2000m steeplechase silver medallist Sandrafelis Chebet clocked 33:11 minutes to win the women’s 10km race. Dorcas Jepchirchir (33:50) and Caroline Jepkemoi (34:09) completed the podium with Nancy Krop and Beatrice Chebet following in 34:15 and 34:26 respectively.
Vincent Kiprotich won the men’s 10km race in 29:18 and was followed Bernard Kimeli (29:32) and Emmanuel Bor (29:38) in the second and third places respective. Stephen Chesang (29:41) and Robert Kipchirchir (29:42) completed the top five places.
Men 21km
1.Isaac Kipkoech 1:01:47
2.Isaac Kibet 1:01:54
3.Sammy Kiprono1:02:02
4.Ezra Sang 1:02:12
5.Donald Mitee 1:02:42
6.Shadrack Kiplagat 1:02:54
7.Abel Kipkemboi 1:03:10
8.Hosea Mwok 1:03:15
9.Bernard Kipkemboi 1:03:38
10.Luke Kibet 1:03:46
Women 21km
- Lucy Cheruiyot 1:12.19
- Naomi Chebet 1:12.22
- Joy Kimuma 1:12:52
- Maureen Jepkemoi 1:14.00
- Antonina Kwambai 1:14:05
- Teresia Omose 1:14:06
- Esther Chesang 1:15:05
- Rose Maro 1:15.24
- Immaculate Chebet 1:15:34