ATHLETICS WATCH: Kenyans shine in different races over the weekend

Kenyans registered heartwarming results in different full and half marathons held in various parts of the world over the weekend.

Malaga Half Marathon - Spain

Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich defended his title well at the Malaga Half Marathon held on Sunday (10) in Malaga, Spain.

The 24-year-old endured the harsh morning weather to sail through the remainder of the race alone, leading an all-Kenyan podium finish. He cut the tape first in 1:00.13 and was followed by Vincent Kipkorir Kigen, who came home in second place in 1:02.30 with his pacemaker Barnabas Kosgei sealing the podium three finishes in 1:02.32.

In the women’s category, Loice Chemnung made a classic debut in the competition to clinch the title.

The 27-year-old outclassed a strong contingent that included Winfridah Moraa Moseti who a few months ago ran life lifetime best of 2:20.55 at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon where she finished in second place and Spain’s Fatima Azzahraa. The powerful finish saw Chemnung set a new course time and a personal best of 1:05.58.

She was closely followed by Winfridah Moseti who crossed the line in 1:05:59. Fatima Azzahraa from Spain spoiled a clean podium sweep for Kenya after coming in third in 1:11.32.

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Nanjing Pukou Marathon - China

2023 Rubis Girls’ run champion Jackline Jeptanui was in a class of her own when she won the Nanjing Pukou marathon held on Sunday in China. Jeptanui completed the course in 2:39:15. Mary Mwaniki came in fourth after running in 2:44:15.

Kenyans failed to claim the top position in the second category, but Emmanuel Sikuku managed a second-place finish after running in 2:19:48, three minutes shy of Zhengye Li who won the title in 2:16:45.

Race to Equality Half Marathon – South Africa

Little-known Kenyan Regina Ndungu emerged victorious in the Race to Equality half marathon held on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ndungu who has been running road races completed the course in 1:16:00 with fellow Kenyan Irene Cherop missing the podium by a whisker to come in fourth in 1:20:29.

Kenyans failed to sparkle in the men’s category.

Ghent Half Marathon - Belgium

Evans Kipkorir and Judy Kemboi were crowned the champions of the Ghent half marathon hosted on Sunday in Belgium.

Kipkorir ran the course in a record one hour, less than a second ahead of his fellow countryman Edward Koonyo. Ibrahim Hassan from Djibouti spoiled a podium sweep for Kenya in 1:00:42, but Abraham Akopesha and Meshack Kimutai settled for fourth and fifth position in 1:01:13 and 1:01:19 respectively.

In the women’s category, the Kenyans claimed all the top four positions.

Kemboi who won in 1:06:35 was followed by Gladys Jemaiyo who crossed the line three minutes later in 1:09:14. Hilda Jelagat completed the podium finish in 1:09:14 with Rebecca Chepkwony finishing fifth in 1:09:32.

Wenzhou Longwan Half Marathon - China

Kenyans Jonathan Korir and Brigid Jelimo Kabergei triumphed at the Wenzhou Longwan Half Marathon in China on Sunday. Korir finished in 1:06:16 with Jelimo triumphing in 1:17:09.