
Reigning Chicago Marathon champion Brigid Kosgey and former Hamburg Half Marathon champion Calipus Lomuyi were crowned champions of the 5th edition of Kalya Half Marathon ran today in West Pokot county.
Kosgei who won Kakamega Forest Half Marathon won the second title of the race,rejuvenating her 2016 memories when she claimed her first title.
Following her second finish at 2018 London Marathon race, she claimed the title in 72:34 ahead of Joy Kemuma’s 75:55 and 2017 Standard Chartered Bank marathon champion Celestine Chepchirchir 77:10.
It was an easy win for Honolulu marathon champion who stepped into the lead with 2km opened a wide gap beating her competitors by three minutes.
With her focus to 2019 calendar, Kosgei said the course was good since her training area is like the course she competed on.
“I came here as part of my training and lifted the title. It is also good to enter history books for the second title,” said the former Amsterdam marathon winner.
Running the race for the 5th time, Calipus Lomuyi finally won the race on home soil.
Since inception in 2014, Lomuyi came close to winning the race in 2016 when he finished third but today, the runner who paced for Berlin marathon in 2017 said he was great to win the race.
The 2017 Hamburg 10km winner said he is focused to compete at world majors and break the world record.
“My dream has come true. I have completed on this race five times and the never give up spirit has given the win,” said Lomuyi.
Lomuyi clocked 65:20 defeating Eldoret City marathon champion Elkana Yego,reigning world half marathon silver medallist Abraham Cheroben among others.
He defeated Andrew Kwemoi with two micro-seconds at 65:22 while Ugandan Kibet Soyellwo for third timing 65:27.
Selected results
Women
1. Brigid Kosgey-72:34
2. Joy Kemuma-75:55
3. Celestine Chepchirchir-77:10
4. Naomi Jebet – 78:36
5. Gladys Kipsoi-79:01
6. Beatrice Ruto -79:40
Men
1. Calipus Lomuyi-65:20
2. Andrew Kwemoi-65:22
3. Kibet Soyellwo-65:27
4. Ezra Kipketer-65:51
5. Josephat Chumo-65:46
6. Daniel Rotich-65:59.