Reigning Rome marathon champion Cosmas Birech will be defending his Kalya half marathon title set for this Saturday in West Pokot County.
Birech, after winning the title last year, went ahead to claim the Rome marathon on April 8th in Italy timing 2:08.03.
As Birech claimed the title, his wife Diana Kipyoei finished second timing 71: 01 in the same race behind the champion Naomi Jebet in 70:35.
Speaking on Saturday during Ziwa Farmer’s Road race, Birech was optimistic of defending his title.
“I am ready to defend my title next weekend. I have trained well for the event,” said Birech.
This is the first year that the 21km race, that runs across two counties of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot was included in the Athletics Kenya calendar after acquiring requisite requirements.
The race starts at Maili Saba in Trans Nzoia ending at Makutano market in West Pokot.
Birech won the race timing 60:44 followed by Stephen Chesang (60:58) and Hoesa Pregor (61:08).
2017 top five finishers
Women
- Naomi Jebet-70:35
- Diana Kipyoei-71:01
- Joy Kimuma-71:23
- Estther Chesang-72:24
- Betty Lembus-72:28
Men
- Cosmas Birech-60:44
- Stephen Chesang-60:58
- Hosea Pregor-61:02
- Moses Kibet-61:08
- Isaac Kibet-61:18