Chepngeno and Kipruto crowned Eldoret City marathon champions

Former Boston half marathon champion Viola Chepngeno and marathon runner Edwin Tuitoek Kipruto were the winners of the 6^th edition of Eldoret City marathon held today in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Chepnegno, who has dominated in various road races including silver at the Tata Steel World 25km, won the women’s 42km race in 2:26:22 ahead of Sheila Chebichii (2:26:54) and Gladys Koech completing the podium at 2:29:55.

The former Africa 10,000m champion said that, she was well prepared for victory.

“After 30km, I had to control my speed because it was too tough after looking at my competitor but I managed to maintain the pace to this title,” said Chepngeno.

The road running specialist said that having experience in road running was key to her success.

“I used the experience to carry home this. At the same time, I had good pacemaker who pushed me to the height,” she said.

Fresh from finishing in position 9^th at the Daegu marathon in January, Kipruto won the title after cutting the tape at 2:11:12 followed by Geoffrey Chirchir who clocked 2:11:56 while Timothy Kipchumba was third in 2:12:08

“I had prepared well and my target was on the podium. I really wanted to run my best here because this race has good money and we are only competing at our home ground. Also looking at the start line up, I had strong and tough athletes but that did not stop me from running my race,” said Kipruto who trains in Kaptagat under Dr Rosa Associati.

He said that after 15km, they had slow speed and that is how he managed to pull out to test his rivals.

“At 30km, we were only two of us and I had to run well especially 5km to the victory. I was so worried at 38km because it the toughest encounter,” he said.

Selected results

Marathon women

1. Viola Chepngeno 2:26:22
2. Sheila Chebichii 2:26:54
3. Gladys Koech 2:29:55
4. Ruth Wakabu 2:32:52
5. Loyce Joy Kemuma 2:33:12
6. Mary Munanu 2:33:40
7. Valentine Jepckoech 2:34:07
8. Rhoda Jepkorir 2:34:33
9. Peris Jerono 2:35:20
10. Philis Cheruiyot 2:35:20

Marathon

1. Edwin Kipruto 2:11:12
2. Geoffrey Chirchir 2:11:56
3. Timothy Kipchumba 2:12:08
4. Wilfred Korir 2:13:28
5. Kenneth Kiprop 2:13:51
6. Enock Kipkemboi 2:14:05
7. Victor Sawe Kiplimo 2:14:05
8. Gideon Kiprop 2:14:14
9. Emmanuel Sikuku Ndiwa 2:14:36
10. Leonard Lanagt Kiprotich 2:14:52