Reigning Paris half marathon silver medalist Marion Kibor and little known Amos Kiplagat were the winners of the Kapsabet half marathon held yesterday in Kapsabet, Nandi County.
The athlete who trains in Kapsabet, shone at home winning the title in71:34.56 ahead of Gladys Songol (73:29.31) and Joan Chepkosgei completing the podium in 74:03.39.
“Since I train here, it was better to win despite running on a hilly course, posing a lot of challenges. Coming here I was prepared as part of my training ahead of the race. It was good winning because we were so many athletes yearning for the same title,” she said.
Kiplagat who cut the tape in 62:47.07 ahead of Robert Keter (63;04.6) and Joshua Kimutai (63:15.6).
Kiplagat said that he found it hard to run on the hilly course but he had to run from behind so that he could win the race.
“I had to save my energy running from behind and sprint towards the finish for the title. The race is so hard. You start on a hilly way, after a kilometer, it becomes a flat, then from 7km, it is hilly throughout the finish. At the start I had to relax, running behind then at 2km to finish I accelerated to win,” said Kiplagat.
Selected results
21km men
1. Amos Kiplagat- 62:47.7
2. Robert Keter- 63:04.6
3. Joshua Kimutai- 63:15.6
4. Nehemiah Kimaru- 63:48.3
5. Philemon Koros- 63:50.3
6. Gilbert Kipkemboi- 63:55.9
7. Abraham Kiptum- 63:57.1
8. Elijah Cheruiyot- 64:09.1
9. Gilbert Kipkosgei-64:34.5
10. Kiprono Byegon- 64:37.2
21km women
1. Marion Kibor- 71:34.56
2. Gladys Songol- 73:29.31
3. Joan Chepkosgei- 74:03.93
4. Mercy Chepkoech-74:05.83
5. Salome Otiso- 74:06.72
6. Irene Jerojor- 74:09.40
7. Joylene Chepngeno-74:53.90
8. Rita Chelangat- 75:26.24
9. Sharon Chemeli- 75:29.01
10. Emmaculate Chepkirui- 75:46.54