Former Barcelona Marathon champion Valary Aiyabei Jemeli and reigning Lagos marathon champion Abraham Kiptum were victorious in the 8th edition of Safaricom Iten 10km road race in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Jemeli, the all surface runner defeated a host of runners to emerge victorious in women’s race that started at Bugar Centre before ending at Iten town.
Running on home ground, receiving cheers from fans lining up on the course, the 2015 Kass marathon champion stepped in the lead with just 100m and enjoyed the lead until the finish line, though she had difficulties in uphill with Lucy Cheruiyot the 2016 Madoka half marathon taking advantage to close the gap.
With her expectation high to win Beijing marathon, Jemeli who won the race, said she will be working on her way to improve on her uphill running, which has been costing her various first position.
“I came here for speed work ahead of my Beijing marathon. Coming from the same area, I know the route and utilized it very well” said Jemeli who cut the tape in 33:18.0.
She added that as a marathoner, she did not expect to win because 10km is a faster race.
“I am surprised by the win because, as a marathoner, my speed is slow though I managed to beat them all,” said Jemeli, who has dominated local races like cross country and road races.
She finished ahead of Cheruiyot who clocked 33:27.2 before Lydia Njeri completing the podium in 33:34.8.
Nursing the injury, he sustained during Kabarak half marathon, Abraham Kiptum, won the men race in 28:39.0 trouncing Daniel Kipchumba (29:08.1) Samuel Chebolei (29:09.9).
The two time Lagos marathon champion, who will be travelling to Nigeria to defend his second title said he will do his best to lower his own time.
The runner who also ran away with the Daegu marathon course record in 2:06.29 will be hoping to defend his title next year.
“My aim is to lower both course records and enter history books. Today’s race was competitive and running on home ground, it was great to win despite my back and shoulder injury,” said Kiptum.
Leading results
10km women
- Valary Jemeli-33:18.8
- Lucy Cheruiyot-33:27.2
- Lydia Njeri-33:34.8
- Joyce Jepkemoi-33:52.5
- Sharon Jelimo-34:30.7
- Gladys Yator-34:32.6
Men
- Abraham Kiptum-28:39.0
- Daniel Kipchumba-29:08.1
- Samuel Chebolei-29:09.9
- Noah Kipkemboi-29:20.8
- Paul Longalecha-29:35.2
- Ronald Mitei-29:42.2