Stephen Kiprop won the 9th edition of 2018 Mattoni Olomouch Half marathon title with a course record in men’s category as Ethiopian runners swept the podium in women.
The 19 year-old who came to this race with a personal best of 59:44, beat a strong and experienced field that included Jemal Yimer, who was second in Ras Al-Khaimah in United Arab Emirates in February in a time of 59:00 which was the fastest of four sub-60 runners in the men’s field.
He also had to contend with Kenyans Gilbert Masai (59:31), Justus Kangogo (59:31), and Abel Kipchumba (60:05).
With less experience against the best Kiprop pulled away late in the race to build a strong gap that could not be matched with rest, smashing off the course record of 1:00.17 that was set in 2014 by Geoffrey Ronoh, with a new course record of 1:00.15.
Kiprop was followed closely by Ethiopian Yimer who crossed the line twenty two seconds later and Kipchumba closing the podium three finishes in 1:00.57.
Cheruiyot and Kangongo had to settle on fourth and fifth place in 1:01.00 and 1:01.34 respectively.
LEADING RESULTS
MEN
- Stephen Kiprop (KEN) 1:00.15
- Jemal Yimer (ETH) 1:00.37
- Abel Kipchumba (KEN) 1:00.57
- Evans Cheruiyot (KEN) 1:01.00
Women
- Netsanet Gudeta (ETH)-67:30
- Aselefech Mergia (ETH)-69:45
- Trihas Gabre (ESP) – 69:51
- Clemence Calvin (FRA)-69:52