Kemboi and Komen triumph at Kapsowar Charity and Conservation race

Africa Senior Athletics 10,000m runner Purity Komen and Bravin Kiprop were the crowned the champions of the second edition of Kapsowar Charity Conservation 10km Road Race held today in Kapsowar, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Competing in her first race after competing at the Africa Athletics championships in Reduit, Mauritius, Komen won the women’s title after braving the morning hot sun, surging the hilly course to win the 10km race.

Introducing herself in road running, Komen took the lead after 5km to win the race in 32:35.84 for the title beating upstart Naomi Jebet to second in 33:12.41 and Zenah Jeptoo completing the podium timing 33:14.17.

“This is my first race after Africa championships and it was one of the most difficult race, bearing in mind the hilly, sharp corners and steep slopes. But with all such challenges, I managed to win the race,” she said.

With no races around, she added that she has no plans but will engage the management for the way forward.

“I will discuss with my management to know their plans and prepare myself,” she added.

In men, Kiprop won the title with his sprint finish to cut the tape in 28:39 ahead of Samuel Naibei (28:43) and Gilbert Kibet coming third in 29:14.

Kiprop, who trains In Mokwo, Elgeyo Marakwet county under coach David Maiyo said that he had little time to train but he used his track experience for the title.

“This has been a good race even though I ran on a tough course, I managed to come home with victory. Running on track has been good for me guiding me with speed to win,” he said.

He returned to the race after finishing in position 19^th in the first edition last year.

“I had bad results last year but coming here with the victory shows that I have been doing well in all my preparations,” he said.

In the 5km schools category, Gilbert Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech emerged victorious.

Selected results

10km

Men

1. Bravin Kiprop- 28:39
2. Samuel Naibei- 28:43
3. Gilbert Kibet- 29:14
4. Vincent Kiprotich- 29:24
5. Victor Togom- 29:27
6. Edgar Kosgei- 29:28
7. Brian Kiptoo- 29:31
8. Ayub Kiptum- 29:32
9. Thomas Kibet- 29:34
10. Josphat Chelimo- 29:35

Women

1. Purity Komen- 32:35.84
2. Naomi Jebet- 33:12.41
3. Priscah Chesang- 33:14.17
4. Zenah Jeptoo- 33:33.28
5. Nelly Jeptoo- 33:34.09
6. Sheila Jepckoech- 33:41.05
7. Shamilla Kipsiror- 33:43.52
8. Rebecca Jepkemoi- 33:52.17
9. Jackline Chelal- 33:53.30
10. Beatrice Cheserek- 33:57.31