How Cheserek turned self doubt to win Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 15.11.25. | 15:03
Despite featuring in premier events, including the Toronto Marathon and pacing in London, Cheserek had yet to notch a win in the half or the 26.2-mile race before Saturday's contest
Beatrice Cheserek harboured no intentions of winning the 2025 Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon until she crossed the 16-kilometre mark.
All the 27-year-old had in mind when she registered for the race was to achieve a respectable finish and assess how her body would react on a hilly course.
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She never saw herself defying the odds and making it, at least to the podium, in what was her maiden appearance in the race.
However, with five kilometres to the finish line, the Elgeyo Marakwet-born runner summoned the little left in her tank, with her body responding just the way any other athlete would have wished.
The Peter Bii-coached athlete says the positive reaction of her muscles after the last water point gave her the belief to fend off pressure all the way to the tape, for her maiden major win, since venturing into road racing in 2021.
Despite featuring in premier events, including the Toronto Marathon and pacing in London, Cheserek had yet to notch a win in the half or the 26.2-mile race before Saturday's contest.
She finished fifth in the Toronto Marathon, positioned fifth in the Santa Poland Half Marathon and was fourth in the Riyadh Half Marathon.
However, the athlete, who is attached to Chojo Camp in Iten, had all reasons to smile after executing a spirited finish to not only win gold, but also bag Ksh300,000.
"I honestly did not believe that I would come and win the race. I decided to register and test how my body would behave on a tough course.
We normally train on similar courses, but the normal exercises are different from a competitive race. My body reacted well after 16 kilometres, and that is when I gained confidence to win it," she admitted.
A full marathon, which her manager, Tom Broadbent, requested her to prepare for, also led Cheserek to treat the Chemususu Dam Half Marathon as part of her preparations.
She, however, did not reveal details of the full marathon she is being groomed for, possibly early next year.
"I am building up for a marathon which my manager asked me to prepare for. Running here today was also aimed at giving me a true picture of how far I am from the task ahead. I can say so far so good, which I estimate will be early next year," she added.
Cheserek clocked 1:14:10, with the Kapsabet-based Milicent Jelimo coming in second after timing 1:14:19.
Christine Kioko, who trains in Iten, was third after clocking out at 1:14:19.
Leading Results
Women
Beatrice Cheserek 1:14:10- Elgeyo Marakwet
Milicent Jelimo 1:14:19-Kapsabet
Christine Kioko 1:14:21-Iten
Jane Moraa 1:14:41-Kericho
Jackline Rotich 1:15:35-Kericho
Amana Ngetich 1:15:46-Iten
Judy Jepngetich 1:16:03-Iten
Betty Chepkwony 1:16:24-Iten
Stella Koros 1:16:40-Chepseon
Vivian Jerotich 1:17:19- Elgeyo Marakwet
