Reigning Hanover half marathon champion Cynthia Jerop and newcomer Jackson Kemboi triumphed in today’s Kass International marathon held in Eldoret.
The former world cross country bronze medalist, Jerop won the 42km race with just three weeks after finishi8ng second at the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon.
With the race cutting across two counties of Nandi and Uasin Gishu, Jerop who targets eothet world half marathon or Ras Al Khaimah half marathon in 2019 clocked 2:39.16 to win the race ahead of Beatrice Rotto in 2:45.07 and Peris Jepchirchir timed 2:46.15 complete the podium positions.
“He told that I should run from behind and step inform starting from the 36km mark but once I stepped at the starting lineup, I had to run my own race, stepping into the lead at 2km before opening the gap and emerged victorious with a big margin,” said the Kaptagat Forest half marathon champion.
The Chemususu 10km winners said she will be recovering ahead of another outing in half marathon in the new year.
Kemboi on the other hand registered his maiden career defeating a host of athletes.
Kemboi, who trains at Global Sports Communication ran behind a leading park before breaking away at 5km before winning the race in 2:20.27 ahead of Silas Mwetich in second place clocking 2:21.10 and Dennis Kiptoo completed the podium timing 2:21.14.
“This is the opener for my marathon career because winning Kass marathon is not easy and toady is my day,” said kemboi who finished 5th at Chemususu half marathon.
Selected results
42km women
- Cynthia Jerop-2:39.16
- Beatrice Rutto—2:45.07
- Peris Jepchirchir-2:46.15
- Dorcas Jepchirchir-2:46.62
- Sheila Jepkoech -2:47.40
- Salina Chebet-2:48.03
42km men
- Jackson Kemboi—2:20.27
- Silas Mwetich—2:21.10
- Dennis Kiptoo—2:21.14
- David Tanui—2:22.05
- Philip Birech-2:22.36
- Moses Kigen-2:23.03