Chepng’etich, Kibiwott crowned champions of the Mozzart Bet Re-Discover Nandi road race

Prague Half Marathon women’s silver medalist, Janeth Chepng’etich was in superb form as she dominated this year’s Mozzart Bet-sponsored Re-Discover Nandi Road Race to win in 34:20.92.

Meanwhile, the men’s title on the hilly course that spelled trouble for most runners went to 23-year-old Prague half fifth-place finisher Kelvin Kibiwot who clocked 29:53.6, finishing way ahead of James Kipkoech (30:09.91 and Shadrack Kipchirchir (30:22.43).

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Feeding off the disappointment of missing out on Team Kenya to the World Athletics Championship set for 19 to 27 August in Budapest, Hungary 25-year-old Chepng’etich fought through the tough course to win ahead of Riyadh Half Marathon champion Beatrice Cheserek.

Cheserek, who on 30 April managed a seventh-place finish at the Istanbul Half Marathon; a race won by Purity Komen in 1:06:30 ahead of former marathon world champion Ruth Chepng’etich, clocked 34:21.16 in Nandi as Marion Kibor timed 34:52.31 to complete the women’s podium.

“I decided to register for the race as part of my preparations for the Prague 10k set for September. It certainly is a surprise win for me. The course was tough because of the hills but I just kept pushing and I am happy for the win,” the 2022 International Udene half marathon champion said.

During the national trials for the world championships, Chepng’etich competed in the women’s 10,000m, crossing the line in 31:57.70 for fourth place, in a race won by Irene Kamais, thus missing out on the opportunity to represent the country in next month’s worlds.

Meanwhile, Kibiwott, a 27.29 athlete, a mark he achieved in April while finishing seventh at the adizero ‘Road to Records’ race at the adidas company headquarter in Herzogenaurach, was the only athlete to dip under 30 minutes in Nandi.

“It was a tough course for sure but I am happy for the win and the time posted. I am not scheduled for a race soon but this performance prepares me for when I am called upon to compete again,” Kibiwott said.