Cosmas Birech, paced at Tokyo marathon last year but he wants to run and win one of his first majors marathon in the Japanese Capital.
Birech and Naomi Jebet endured hot weather to win the 4th edition of Kalya Half marathon held today in West Pokot County.
Birech who is targeting Tokyo marathon title next year after he paced this year. Birech who commanded the men’s race said the race was hilly but managed to become the winner.
Birech beat 2015 Kalya champion Moses Yator and 2014 winner Hosea Macharinyang.
Birech who trains in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County won the race in 60:44 as he plans to compete in next year’s Tokyo marathon.
Birech who paced last year’s Tokyo marathon said this time, he will be going fir nothing else apart from running his best.
“I am preparing myself for the Tokyo marathon and this time not as a pace setter but targeting a win,” said Birech who also yearns to compete at Commonwealth Games.
Fresh from winning Kakamega Forest half marathon, the Elgeyo Marakwet County based runner, Jebet faced a tough challenge from Diana Kipyokei and Joy Kimuma on the hilly course to win the race in 70:35.
Jebet who plans to compete in various road races in Europe next month said she could not believe winning a double within one week.
“The course was too hilly and too much sun but am happy to become the winner of such competitive race,” said Jebet.
She beat Kipyokei to second timing 71:01 before Kimuma winding the podium in 71:23.
The race cuts across two counties of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot, which starts at Maili Saba in the former county, ending at Makutano junction in West Pokot County along Kitale-Kapenguria road.
Selected results
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