Cornelius Kipkosgei Konor and Betty Jelangat emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s 10km races at the inaugural Absa City Run Eldoret Edition held today.
Konor clocked 30:27.4 to win the men’s race in a closely contested finish, beating David Korichei, who timed 30:34.8, while Mark Kipkoech settled for third place in 30:36.5.
Konor said he struggled during the opening lap but gained confidence towards the closing stages after realising his body was responding well.
He said he decided to increase his pace and launch a final sprint to secure victory.
“The first lap was difficult, but towards the last lap I realised my body was responding well. I decided to sprint and managed to win,” said Konor.
The athlete said he used the race as part of his preparations for the Chepsaita Cross Country, adding that he was keen to sharpen his speed ahead of the competition.
In the women’s category, Jelangat claimed the title in 34:43.7, narrowly beating Leah Jekwemoi, who clocked 34:49.5. Sharon Kiptugen completed the podium in 35:50.4.
Despite battling a nerve injury in her leg, Jelangat delivered an impressive performance to secure victory.
She said she was delighted with the result, having approached the competition without putting herself under pressure.
“I am happy to have won the race. I did not put myself under any pressure; I just ran my race,” said Jelangat.
She added that she would take time to recover and manage her injury before consulting her coach on her next competition.
The inaugural event formed part of Absa Bank Kenya’s centenary celebrations, as the lender marked 100 years of operations in the country while strengthening its engagement with local communities.
Men’s 10km results
1. Cornelius Kipkosgei konor– 30:27.4
2. David Korichei – 30:34.8
3. Mark Kipkoech – 30:36.5
4. Canton Kiplimo – 30:50.4
5. Raymond Sinei – 30:52.5
6. Jacob Kaptoro – 30:56.3
Women’s 10km results
1. Betty Jelangat – 34:43.7
2. Leah Jekwemoi – 34:49.5
3. Sharon Kiptugen – 35:50.4
4. Sandra Jebet – 35:59.2
5. Veronicah Wakoraya – 36:04.5
6. Mutuyimana Berthilde – 36:10.1