James Kipkoech will be seeking to defend the Moi Girls’ Kapsowar Charity and Conservation half marathon title set for Saturday June 7th in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Last year, Kipkoech won the men’s title after cutting the tape at 62:02.39, edging out former Half Marathon World Record holder Abraham Kiptum make a comeback after years out of competition following an anti-doping rule violation.
He said that he will be competing at the race as part of his training ahead of Zwolle half marathon set for June 14th in the Netherlands.
“I will use the half marathon as part of my training for the Zwolle half marathon. If I will manage to defend my title, that will be an added advantage but my main focus is the race in the Netherlands,” said Kipkoech.
After finishing second in 2023, Kipkoech beat Kalibus Lomwai to second in 1:03.31 with Kiptum timed 1:03:40.
In women, the reigning world half marathon bronze medalist Catherine Reline was the winner after edging out former Frankfurt marathon champion Valary Jemeli Ayabei who was making a comeback after her maternity break.
The West Pokot born runner, who finished second last year in the 10km won the title after clocking 71:40.0 ahead of Aiyabei’s 71:56.4 Madrid half marathon champion Naomi Jebet coming third in 72:04.6.
The county’s Secretary Boniface Tiren said that the race has been of great importance to the students with over 500 benefiting each year since the inauguration.
“The event has been of great help for the needy students drawn from various parts of the country. It is upon us to support the great initiative,” said Tiren.
Last year results
21km men
- James Kipkoech – 1:02:39
- Kalibus Lomwai – 1:03:31
- Abraham Kiptum – 1:03:40
- Kiprono Kipyegon – 1:04:23
- Enos Kales – 1:04:38
- Abraham Kipyatich – 1:04:44
- Dennis Kemboi- 1:04:49.2
- Timothy Kangogo- 1:04:59.9
- Zakary Kiprop- 1:05:00.3
- Asbel Kiplimo- 1:05:04.8
21km
Women
- Catherine Reline – 1:11:40
- Valary Jemeli Aiyabei – 1:11:56
- Naomi Jebet – 1:12:00
- Viola Chemos (UGA) – 1:12:46
- Glorious Jepkurui – 1:13:10
- Joyce Chepkemoi Tele – 1:13:41
- Vivian Kosgei- 1:14:42.6
- Emily Chepkemoi- 1:15:34.7
- Caroline Jepchirchir- 1:15:40.3
- Martha Akeno- 1:15:46.7
5km girls
- Domtila Cheruto-15:48.81
- Lornah Cherono- 15:53.65
- Valentine Cheptoo- 16:54.25
- Michelle Cherotich-17:00.31
- Sheila Chepkorir-17:04.77
8km boys
- Laban Kiptoo-21:52.45
- Emmanuel Kiprono- 21:58.05
- Timothy Kipkemboi- 22:05.25
- Titus Kemboi- 22:24.3
- Peter Kirumba Maibei- 22:30.84