World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon bronze medallist Catherine Reline and Anthony Kipchirchir were the winners of the 9th edition of Chemususu Half marathon held yesterday in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.
Reline won the women title after clocking 1:12:18 followed by Winny Kimutai (1:14:19) and Edith Chepchumba (1:15:08) were second and third respectively.
Reline, who finished third behind Peres Jepchirchir and Margaret Kipkemboi Chelimo in Riga, Latvia said she will be working a slot in the 10,000m team for the Paris Games.
“I have one more race to prepare for in the year as I am scheduled to run in Brazil next month. However, my focus is on next year’s Olympics where I intend to represent my country,” she said.
In men, newcomer Kipchirchir won the men’s title in a fierce battle towards the tail end of the race when he clocked 1:03:35, followed by Jackson Kipleting (1:04:09) and Emmanuel Bor (1:04:36).
“This was my first half marathon race. I will go home a happy man. This win means a lot to me,” he said.
“I trained on a hilly course in Iten so as to be among the top three athletes. My aim is to win international races and represent Kenya on the track, where I specialize in 5000m,” said Kipchirchir.
Selected results
Men
Anthony Kipchirchir- 63:35
Jackson Kipleting-64:09
Emmanuel Bor-64:36
Vincent Kigen-64:40
Gilbert Kipkirui-64:43
Abel Kiplimo-64:45
Ismael Kiprono-64:58
Vincent Kipkirui-65:27
Shadrack Korir-65:33
Timothy Kibet-65:50
Women
Catherine Reline-72:18
Winny Kimutai-74:19
Edith Chepchumba-75:08
Lilian Chebii-75:20
Catherine Rieyon-75:54
Catherine Cherotich-76:05
Beatrice Begi-76:12
Visiline Murey-76:30
Beatrice Chekemoi-76:38
Josephine Chepkurui-76:42