Fresh from winning Kakamega Forest marathon Judith Korir and upstart Edwin Kimutai braved the sunny morning to win the 6th edition of Kalya half marathon held on Saturday 7th in Makutano, West Pokot County.
With just seven days after winning Kakamega Forest title in Kakamega, the reigning Venice marathon champion won her third road race title beating Tuskys 10km Great Road Run Naomi Chebet as well as track specialists Lydia Simiyu.
With her focus to compete for kenya at world events, Korir from running county of Elgeyo Marakwet won the title in 76:34 ahead of Betty Chepekemoi (76:40) and Rachael Chebet (77:27) for second and third positions respectively.
With her focus to win in other races, Korir said the race was hard for her comparing in what she has been running.
The course is too hilly and the sunny weather did not give me good time to run my best race. But I thank God I emerged the winner. If I look at the time, it was not good for me,” said the Belgrade marathon champion.
In men’s race, Kimutai edged out 2017 winner Cosmas Birech as well as home boy Kalpus Lomoi to win the title in 65:01.
“This is my first win after competing on this course for three years. This is also my first brace to win since I started my running career,” said the 26 year old runner from Elgeyo Marakwet.
He clocked defeated Trans Nzoia’s Kennedy Kipyego (65:02) to second position and Kericho’s Isaac Kipkoech (65:04).
Selected results
Women
- Judith Korir- 76:34
- Betty Chepkemoi- 76:40
- Rachael Chebet- 77:04
- Naomi Chebet- 77:27
- Phibian Chepkirui- 18:39
- Lydia Simiyu- 78:50
Men
- Edwin Kimutai-65:01
- Kennedy Kipyego- 65:02
- Isaac Kipkoech- 65:02
- Cosmas Birech- 65:01
- Daniel Kipkosgei- 65:02
- Kalpus Lomoi- 65:04