Former world half marathon silver medalist Bedan Karoki will be targeting Tokyo marathon following his exploits at the inaugural Nyahururu 10km road race.
Karoki, who finished second behind compatriot in the 2016 world half marathon in Cardiff, clocked 28:22.6 to win the race as part of his preparations for Tokyo marathon in February in the Japanese capital.
“I am preparing well for the 2019 and this year has not been rosy for me I want to make a difference next year,” said Karoki.
Competing on home ground, Karoki won the title to celebrate top athletes from the region that includes the late Samuel Wanjiru among others.
Karoki defeated Emmanuel Bett to second place in a race that started at Mairo Inya trading centre on the Nyahururu-Nyeri road and concluded in Nyahururu town.
The world cross country silver medalist, said the race was part of his build up for the Tokyo Marathon slated for March 3.
“I am preparing for the Tokyo marathon and this race was part of my preparation,” said Karoki who has shifted his training camp from Nyahururu and Eldoret to Ngong in Nairobi.
Bett, who enjoys running in races in Nyahururu and Ol Kalou, said he was using the race to shape up for the Diamond League calendar. Bett won the Ol Kalou leg of the Athletics Kenya Cross Country series early December to make it two in a row having won the 2017 edition.
“My event is steeple chase and this race was good for my endurance,” said Bett.
The women’s race was won by Chepkemoi Mutai in 33:34.00 after leading from gun to tape.