The top men and women were today feted for their exemplary performance at the 4th edition of Moi Kapsowar Girls Charity and Conservation road race.
Winners in each event were handed their cash rewards following their exploits in a race held on June 22nd in Kapsowar, Elgeyo Marakwet.
The school Senior Principal Joan Too thanked those who participated during the which attracted many athletes including top runners in the world.
“I want to appreciate efforts of chair, Athletics Kenya and local organising committee for having made this edition a success,” said Too.
She called on the athletes to prepare for the race come next year in accordance with the federation’s calendar.
“I want to welcome all athletes again next year 2025 edition as per AK calendar which will attract higher prizes than now. I also want to urge all schools that participated this year, to prepare well for the next edition,” she said.
In the 21km race, the reigning world half marathon bronze medalist Catherine Reline and upstart James Kipkoech were the winners after the event was improved from 10km to half marathon.
Reline edged out former Frankfurt marathon champion Valary Jemeli Ayabei who was making a comeback after her maternity break to cut the tape in 71:40.0 ahead of Aiyabei’s 71:56.4 Madrid half marathon champion Naomi Jebet coming third in 72:04.6.
Kipkoech won the men’s race at 62:02.39 in a race that saw the former Half Marathon World Record holder Abraham Kiptum make a comeback after years out of competition following an anti-doping rule violation.
After finishing second last year at the race Kipkoech beat Kalibus Lomwai to second in 1:03.31 with Kiptum timed 1:03:40.