Reigning Nairobi City Marathon champion Naomi Jebet and upstart Joshua Kithuku were the winners of the second edition of Betika Na Community Uasin Gishu Half marathon held today in Eldoret town.
Following the postponement of the Nairobi City marathon earlier month, Jebet decided to compete in other races as part of her training and speed work ahead of a marathon planned for September or return to defend her title.
The athlete who trains in Iten said that the race was tough with strong competitors but managed to win.
“Today’s race was tough because we were many and strong,” said Jebet.
She added that she went into the race as part of speed work and endurance.
“I managed to win but I came for speed work. At the moment, I am preparing for a marathon that I don’t know which one. I had prepared for Nairobi marathon but they changed so I did not lose hope, I went back to training in preparations for the marathon and God willing I want to defend my title,” she added.
She stopped the timer at 70:03 ahead of Ugandan Violah Chemos (70:19) and Gladys Chepkurui completing the podium at 70:35.
Fresh from finishing third at the kaptagat half marathon last Sunday, Kithuku edged out race favourite Daniel Simiu Ebenyo for the title.
After finishing second at the Lukenya half marathon, Kithuku from Kitui county beat Ebenyo in the 10m sprint finish to cut the tape at 60:00 with Ebenyo coming second at 60:41 and former world half marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum completing the podium in 60:50.
“I was really prepared well for today’s race after finishing second at the kaptagat race last weekens. I went to train and relaxed before running and winning. I had to beat my competitors because I was timing the last kick because my body was responding well,” said Kithuku.
Selected results
Women
- Naomi Jebet- 70:03
- Violah Chemos (UGA) 70:19
- Gladys jepkurui – 70:35
- Ruth Jebet (Bahrain) 70:51
- Sharon Kiptugen- 71:01
- Agnes keino- 71:19
- Milicent jelimo- 71:24
- Rita jelagat- 71:28
- Celestine Temuku- 72:02
- Joan jepkogei- 72:13
Men
- Joshua Kithuku- 60:38
- Daniel Simiu Ebenyo- 60:41
- Abraham Kiptum- 60:50
- Weldon Langat- 61:05
- ismail Rono- 61:23
- John Muiruri- 61:33
- Enos kales- 61:35
- Geoffrey Kimutai- 61:38
- Robert Kipkemboi- 61:41
- Robert Kiprop- 61:49