2022 Iten International Marathon winners awarded, 2023 dates unveiled

Athletes who secured positions 1-20 in both the male and female categories of the inaugural Iten International Marathon went to the bank smiling after reaping the fruits of their labor. This is after the organizers released their prize monies on Thursday 15 in Iten.

The inaugural Iten International Marathon was held on Sunday 18 December 2022 in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Marathoners Samuel Naibei and Caroline Jepchirchir triumphed after a challenging 42km race on a high-altitude course from Chororget to Iten. Despite the difficult track, the runners maintained outstanding speeds, with Naibei finishing in 2:08:43 and Jepchirchir taking the win at 2:28:33. Each of them was set to return home with Ksh 1 million.

They however had to wait for a clean bill of health from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya before being handed the prizes. The top 20 finishers in both categories were awarded, with a whooping Ksh 6,540, 000 released with the help of the sponsors and organizers.

According to the organizers led by Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee member in charge of Sports Purity Koima, the second edition of the marathon would be a resounding success. The inaugural edition was planned within five weeks.

“Today is a great day for us as a county government as we award our winners. We are now prepared more than ever for the 2023 edition. The prize money will be there. We know that Elgeyo Marakwet is known as the Home of Champions because we have so many athletes. So, this is a standard marathon just like any international marathon, just that our athletes do not have to fly to participate. They are just from within,” she said.

The winners went home Ksh. 1million richer while the second position were awarded Ksh750,000. Position three pocketed Ksh. 500,000. The organizers also said that the prize money will be unchanged for the next edition set for November 26, 2023.

Iten International Marathon select results:

Samuel Naibei 2:08:43

Joshua Kogo 2:10:35

Albert Kangogo 2:11:46

Kennedy Kemboi 2:12:21

William Cheboi 2:13:20

Benson Chumo 2:14:02

Collins Kipkorir 2:14:46

Stephen Kipkosgei 2:14:56

Isaac Lagat 2:15:10

Silas Too 2:15:11

Women

Caroline Jepchirchir 2:28:33

Suzy Chemaimak 2:33:49

Mercy Kipkemoi 2:35:09

Martha Akeno 2:35:30

Joan Kipyatich 2:36:26

Hilda Cheboi 2:36:47

Janet Kiptoo 2:37:03

Rael Kimaiyo 2:38:28

Hellen Jepkurgat 2:38:29

Faith Jepkoech 2:38:40