Kipchirchir retains title as Chepkemboi triumps in Eldoret City Marathon

Victor Kipchirchir defended his Eldoret City Marathon for a record third time in the fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon held on Sunday on the streets of the Uasin Gishu capital.

Kipchirchir crossed the line in 2:15:50, a drop from his previous time of 2:13:10. Emily Chepkemboi took the honors in the women’s category after clocking 2:30:14.

She was followed closely by Martha Akenyo who completed the course in 2:31:22 with Joan Jepkosgei clocking 2:34:16 to claim third-place.

Speaking after the win, Chepkemboi was glad that she made light work of her opponents. She trains at Kapsait camp in West Pokot.

A fortnight ago, the runner failed to honor the Paris Marathon due to a visa hitch, and she was looking to give it her all in the streets of Eldoret.

“I am proud of this achievement and I thank God. I trained well because I was to compete in Paris two weeks ago, but I did not manage because of visa failure. That is why I came here,” she told Mozzart Sport.

Chepkemboi further noted that she was hoping to compete in more international races to further sharpen her skills.

“I am trying my best to participate in international races. When we started, it was a bit difficult because of the weather. But when we approached the 15km mark, the weather became better, and my body adapted,” she offered.

In the men’s category, Kipchirchir completed the race ahead of Felix Mutai (2:12:56), and Evans Kipruto (2:13:20).

Speaking after the race, the three-time Eldoret City Marathon winner was glad to make a comeback after a nagging injury. He noted that the weather also posed a challenge during the first kilometers.

“The race was good. I had an injury but when I reached the 33rd kilometer, I was sure I could win the race. There is no secret, the most important thing is training hard. I am not sure what race I will compete in. After this, I will go and plan with my manager on the way forward,” the visibly breathless Kipchirchir said.

Both Kipchirchir and Chepkemoi each pocketed Ksh3.5 million in cash, while the first runners-up, Kipsang and Akeno, took home Ksh1.5 million each.

The second runners-up, Evans Kipruto and Joan Jepkosgei, each walked away with Ksh1 million. The cash prize awards were given up to the 20th position.

Jepchirchir, Mutiso crowned London Marathon champions

Elsewhere, Festus Kipkemoi emerged the winner in the 10 KM fun race category after clocking 32:16.2. Benson Chondi from Kakamega finished second, with Ethiopian Abderezak Alewo settling for the third position in 33:53.4 and 36:44.4 respectively.

The annual marathon event held in the ‘City of Champions’ is the brainchild of two-time Boston Marathon champion Moses Tanui.

It aims to provide a platform for upcoming, talented athletes and to help shine a spotlight on the conservation of the environment.

This year, the event attracted a larger entrance, with 800 participants from Kenya and beyond the borders.

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Men results

1. Victor Kipchirchir 2:15:50

2. Felix Mutai 2:12:56

3. Evans Kipruto 2:13:20

4. Onesmus Kiplagat 2:13:22

5. Edwin Kiptoo Kimeli 2:13:47

6. Elias Kembo Chelugo 2:13:56

7. Benard Kemboi 2:14:20

8. Kenneth Korir 2:14:27

9. Bethwel Kiprono 2:15:06

10. Wilfred Kemboi 2:15:27

Women Results

1. Emily Chepkemboi 2:30:14

2. Martha Akenyo 2:31:22

3. Joan Jepkosgei 2:34:16

4. Peris Jerono 2:34:20

5. Reme Merigor 2:34:32

6. Irene Cherobon 2:34:34

7. Joy Kemuna 2:35:43

8. Viola Chemos 2:36:37

9. Harriet Chebore 2:36:48

10. Gladys Kemboi 2:37:21