Amos Kipchirchir and Maryam Lufti Njoki braved the early morning windy condition to win the second edition of Eldohub Techrun 10km road race held today in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Lufti, originally Christine Njoki successfully defended her women title after changing her nationality to Qatar earlier this year, said that the race was part of her training ahead of the Qatar National cross country championships set for this Saturday.
She defended the title after clocking 31:00.0, beating Miriam Chebet (31:37.1) and Gladys Chepkurui completing the top three in 31:46.1.
Njoki said that she had mastered the course after last year’s victory and came to prove her talent as part of her preparations for the Qatar Cross Country championships.
“I came with clear mind of defending my title despite the heavy line up, I was well prepared, which I have done. This was a tough one considering the heavy wind,” said Njoki.
She added that after winning last year, she has had many local races especially in cross countries as a build up for major events.
“In many of the races that I Compete, I always want to be on the podium and I am happy to be on the podium always. I also came to compete here as part of my preparations for the Qatar championships,” said Njoki.
Kiprotich recorded his maiden title after several attempts to win or finish on the podium, proved to be too strong for him until he made it at last.
Coming from Keringet in Nakuru County, Kiprotich won the title in 28:13.0 followed by Dennis Kipkemoi Kipkosgei who came second at 28:20.1 with Victor Kipruto in third position after stopping the timer at 28:44.2.
“This are the most prestigious results for me, as my maiden victory and even finishing on the podium. The race was good for me despite the windy course that posed a big challenge, which I overcame,” said Kiprotich.
“Winning today was good and something good is coming in future like running 10,000m. I have run so many 1,500m, 10,000m, half marathons among other events but I have never won. So this is memorable. I have run in many cross country but it did not go well with me.
Selected top ten results
Women
- Maryam Lufti Njoki 31:00.0
- Miriam Chebet 31:37.1
- Gladys Chepkurui 31:46.1
- Nelvin Jepkemboi 32:17.4
- Florence Niyonkuru 32:44.4
- Diana Chepteek Cheroben 33:20.8
- Magdalene Jebitok 33:31.8
- Emeline Imanzabayo33:33.7
- Alice Chemutai Loitasia 33:54.4
- Rebecca Arupee 34:20.5
Men
- Amos Kiprotich 28:13.0
- Dennis Kipkemoi Kipkosgei 28:20.1
- Victor Kipruto 28:44.2
- Cornelius Kipkosgei Konor 28:47.1
- Kipchirchir Too 28:50.4
- Meriokol Alex Pelor 28:51.7
- Emmanuel Bor 28:56.7
- Lawi Komen 28:59.1
- Johana Erot 29:00.9
- Keyborn Obato 29:03.7