Chepchirchir, Kiprotich clinch top honours in Re-Discover Nandi Road Race

Titus Kiprotich and Faith Chepchirchir enlisted for the 2024 Mozzart Bet Re-Discover Nandi Road Race with the sole intention of rectifying the mistakes that cost them victory in the previous edition. 

Unlike the tens of other athletes who contested for the top honors in the race held on Sunday, they had already tested themselves on the unforgiving hilly course but did not make it to the top ten in last year's edition. 

However, the experience and lessons learnt in the unsuccessful bid for the top positions last year came into play on Sunday as they raced tactically to be declared champions. 

Chepchirchir, who was making her third appearance in the race, clocked 35:30.25, while Kiprotich, in his second stab at the top position, timed 29:58.80.

So good was Chepchirchir, who trains in Kapsabet, on the course that she beat her closest competitor Edna Chepkemei by more than a minute, having broken clear at the Chebut shopping centre. 

Enjoying solid support from the community who lined up on the road to cheer her, the 23-year-old revealed that she raced conservatively behind the leading pack on the hills before unleashing her mighty in the final three kilometers. 

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Training at the hilly area of Kosoiwa prior to the race came in handy for Chepchirchir. 

"This was my third time participating in the race. I allowed the rest to do the pacing on the hills so as to preserve energy for the finish. Considering that I train around, I knew when to hit a higher gear, and when I did it, I am glad the body reacted well," she said after the race. 

Chepchirchir, who trains under coach Richard Mutai, finished a disappointing 70th position in 2022 and ranked 21st last year. 

She says the massive leaps made in the race are courtesy of the advice from Mutai and senior athletes who helped her realise her potential. 

"Two years ago, I did not understand what athletics can do in my life and the community. I would follow fellow athletes to the training camp without having a clear goal and focus. I was advised to take it seriously, and I am glad I am realising the fruits," she added. 

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For Kiprotich, the desire to improve last year's results, where he finished 15th, and testing his preparedness for the Nairobi City Marathon's 10k race, compelled him to register. 

The 24-year-old said training three times a day in Italy made the difference in his second appearance in the race, which is enjoying sponsorship from the leading gaming firm for the fourth year in a row. 

"I had prepared well considering that I had knowledge of the course. It is a very hard course, and at some point, I thought of dropping out. I, however, held on and pushed myself as I wanted to improve on what I achieved last year. I would train three times a day for the race," he said. 

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Kiprotich finished ahead of James Kipkoech and Jackson Kipleting, who clocked 30:09.90 and 30:16.20, respectively. 

Chepchirchir, on the other hand, beat Chepkemei and Nelly Jepchumba, who timed 36:12.81 and 36:46.34, respectively. 

The winners bagged Kshs. 100,000 with the first runners up getting Kshs. 80,000. Third-place finishers walked home with Kshs. 60,000.

Mozzart Bet Re-Discover Nandi Road Race Results

Men

Titus Kiprotich- 29:58.80

James Kipkoech-30:09.90

Jackson Kipleting-30:16.20

Abraham Kiptum-30:38.30

Robert Kiptanui-30:54.40

Women

Faith Chepchirchir-35:30.25

Edna Chepkemei-36:12.81

Nelly Jepchumba-36:46.34

Scolastica Chepkemboi-36:54.43

Sharon Chemurgor-37:23.19