Wisley Kipkemoi overcomes slow start to defend Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon title
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 15.11.25. | 16:26
Following the victory, Kipkemoi promised to defend his title and stretch his wins on the course to three in next year's edition
"Never give up” was the mantra Wisley Kipkemoi had in mind even when his efforts to defend his Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon title came under massive threat.
The 27-year-old arrived at the 2025 edition of the race seeking to defend his crown and perhaps cap what has otherwise been a fruitful year, judging by his victories elsewhere on the road.
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However, his bid to retain the title was put to a thorough test just after the gun went off at the starting point in Benonin, as he was forced to play catch-up to the trio of Wilfried Kirwa, Victor Kipchirchir and Evans Kiprono for close to ten kilometres.
The trio’s early surge was so strong that it tore the field apart, just moments after the start, creating a massive rift between them and the rest.
Athletics officials, journalists, bystanders and other stakeholders, who drove slightly ahead of the three, were heard predicting podium finishes for the trio.
However, Kipkemoi had other thoughts even as the gap kept on widening on one of the hilliest courses, one that rarely forgives the ill-prepared and less resilient.
The man on a mission never abandoned his tactics or doubted his calculations.
"The race started on a high pace, contrary to my expectations. I had predicted and prepared for a slow start, given how the course is. The good thing is, I never gave up since I was conversant with the course and how the hills humble many.
I never panicked after they opened the big gap when running downhill. I knew I would catch up with them on the hills," the Keringet-based athlete opened up on his slow start and strategy.
The Elgeyo Marakwet-born athlete trailed the pair of heels ahead of him with a calculated pace, and would begin to attach himself to the leading trio after the first water point, a few metres past Eldama Ravine town.
It is after necking water that Kipkemoi, who was coming off a win at the Mau Conservation Half Marathon last month, began to close in, with a handful of athletes tagging along.
He maintained his place behind Kipchirchir and Kirwa, who traded leads all through, seemingly conserving energy for the finish, which, by the halfway point, was difficult to predict how it would pan out.
After descending at the Siloi area, he engaged a higher gear, catching up fully with the leaders, but occasionally dropped back.
The race took an interesting turn after Kirwa dropped, following what appeared to be a hip problem, leaving Kipchirchir and Kipkemoi jostling for the top place.
Further, Kiprono ran out of gas, with Mathew Kimeli going all out to catch up with the duo.
Kipkemoi made his intentions of clinching a second title on the course known as the Metipso area, where he powerfully surged forward and maintained the lung-bursting pace all the way to the finish line.
He clocked 1:04:33, with Kipchirchir, who was once promising for the top position, finishing third in 1:05:15.
Kimeli, who just like Kipkemoi raced from behind, settled for silver after kicking hard late to cross the finish line in 1:04:53.
Kipkemoi says it was all about solid preparations, understanding the course, and patiently executing the strategy as discussed with his coach, Josephat Bett.
"In athletics, there is no giving up until you cross the finishing line or cut the tape. I had trained well, especially in covering the hilly part with ease. I am glad to have retained my title," added Kipkemoi, who clinched the Iten 10k race earlier in June.
21km Results
Men
Wisley Kipkemoi 1:04:33-Keringet
Matthew Kimeli 1:04:53- Iten
Victor Kipchirchir 1:05:15
Stephen Kibet 1:05:51-Iten
Festus Kipkemboi 1:05:57- Baringo
Evans Kimutai 1:06:02- Iten
Sammy Kiprono 1:06:10- Kaptagat
Nahshon Kiplimo 1:06:13 - Iten
Douglas Kimeli 1:06:42- North Rift
Vincent Kigen 1:06:43- Nakuru
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