Hillary Kipkoech and Naomi Jebet reign supreme in Moi Girls’ Kapsowar run

The third edition of the Moi Girls’ Kapsowar Charity and Conservation 10km race held on Saturday 10 at Kapsowar, Elgeyo Marakwet County lived up to its billing. 

Hillary Kipkoech, the reigning Madrid 10km champion, and Naomi Jebet triumphed after a challenging race on a high-altitude course and hilly course in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Despite the difficult track, the runners maintained outstanding speeds, with Kipkoech finishing in 28:32.3 and Jebet taking the win at 31:55 in the festive event.

Jebet who specializes in road races showed no fear as she navigated through the race, sprinting in the last 500m to wheeze past defending champion Purity Komen Chemutai and Catherine Reline for the title.

Reline who competed at the Athletics Kenya North Rift championships on Friday took second position in 32:09 and Komen sealed the podium at 32:33.

Speaking after the race, Jebet noted that the hilly terrain proved difficult, and she was up against a strong contingent.

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“The race was tough, especially in hilly places but I had to tackle it well to secure this win. The race attracted few athletes but tough ones. It is better to have many but not tough unlike today,” said Jebet.

In the men’s category, Kipkoech who was fresh from finishing second at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) track and field championships in 10,000m came back in stunning fashion to finish ahead of James Koech who clinched second position in 28:36.9 and Mathew Kimeli came in third after clocking 28:41.

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According to Kipkoech, he wants to feature in the national team for the World championships in Budapest, Hungary. He was using today’s race as a warm-up ahead of national championships that will be held in two weeks’ time at the Kasarani Stadium.

“This race was tough looking at the hilly course but the victory came in handy as a consolation. My intention is to run well and represent this country in major events, especially at the World Championships in Budapest,” said the Castelone 10km champion.

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Selected results

Men 10km

1.      Hillary Koech- 28:32.3

2.      James Koech- 28:36.9

3.      Mathew Kimeli-28:41.5

Women 10km

1.      Naomi Jebet- 31:55

2.      Catherine Reline- 32:09

3.      Purity Chemutai Komen- 32:33

5km women

1.      Pamela Kosgei-16:29.22

2.      Dorcas Jeptoo-17:18.80

3.      Faith Kimutai-17:49.40

5km men

1.      Simon Muluwa-14:0593

2.      Laban Kiptoo-14:12.75

3.      Walter Koros-14:34.32