Kandie wins AdiZero 10km as Kenyans sweep men's half marathon

Former world half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie clocked 26:50 to win the second edition of the Adidas Adizero Road Race. 

The race held on 30 April was dubbed 'Road to Records' organised by Adidas for their men and women athletes with categories over 5km, 10km and the half marathon, racing around the headquarters of Adidas in Herzogenaurach. 

Kandie who has experienced a dip in form recently, following an injury during a national corss country event two years ago, had a dominant race, pointing to a recovered Kandie as he prepares for the Bengaluru 10km race in India on 15 May. 

Kandie broke away from the leading pack, late in the race to sprint the last 300m of the way and bag the victory ahead of fellow Kenyan Sebastian Sawe who timed 26:54 the fastest losing time in the 10km road race while Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera completed the podium places. 

“I knew this would be a tough race but I had mu mind set on running a sub 27 which i am happy to have achieved. I had to reserve my energy until the last metres, as everyone on the race looked strong, and I am happy it worked in my favour and I had the energy to kick for victory," said Kandie in an interview after the race. 

The 10km race that has been named after slain Olympian Agnes Tirop who broke the 10km record on this same course last year saw Ethiopia’s Fentaye Azale crowned champion in the women's race timing 30:24 ahead of Joyce Chepkemoi who clocked 30:33 and Sheila Chepkirui (30:35) who placed third. 

Meanwhile, it was a clean sweep for Kenyan athletes in the men’s half marathon as Mathew Kimeli sprinted in the last few metres to win the race in 59:30 ahead of his compatriots Bernard Kimeli who crossed the line two seconds and Alfred Barkach in third position. 

“The race was good. I was here last year where I competed in the 5km race so I knew the course well and made good calculations not to kick early. I had to preserve my energy for the hilly course and that gave me the chance to kick for victory," said an elated Kimeli after the race. 

In the men’s 5km race, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha bagged gold clocking 12:53 to beat Kenya’s Nicholas Kimeli who timed 12:55 while Levy Kibet settled for third in 13:02.

In the women’s 5km race, Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi won after clocking 14:37 ahead of her compatriot Medina Eisa who timed 14:53 while Kenya’s Mercy Cherono settled for third place in 14:56.