Kipchumba, Kipchirchir win Eldoret Marathon

Debutant Mercy Kipchumba clocked 2:28.20 to clinch the women's title in the third edition of the Eldoret City Marathon held on Sunday, 6 June at Eldoret town.

In a field that had experienced marathoners including the defending champion Valery Aiyabei ( finished 22nd), Kipchumba floored them all to win her first marathon title on her first attempt. Judith Korir and Jackline Chelal finished second and third respectively. 

"I have been training since 2020 for this as I had purposed to compete in this event. Aiyabei was leading until 30km and I was not even aware she was ahead of us. We were, however, able to catch up and take the lead for the win. Running in this altitude was not a problem as I have been training under similar circumstances. This was my first marathon, as I have been competing in the half marathon, and I am happy I did well," said the 26-year old from Elgeyo Marakwet. 

In the men’s category, Victor Kipchirchir emerged victorious after clocking 2:08:56, ahead of Nakuru's Leonard Langat who cut the tape in 2:10:49 while Emmanuel Bor, from Nandi completed the podium finishes in 2:11:10. 

Kipchirchir was making a return from a three-year injury spell and ran with a protruding scar on his shoulders. He was involved in an accident in 2018 and has been nursing the injury since. 

“Am happy to have won today. I had trained well for this and did not face any challenges ahead of the race. My body felt good and my training was perfect. The injury made me believe I might not run again. I was involved in a road accident at Chepkanga and underwent surgery on my shoulder and leg. After healing I decided to train specifically for this event. I face quite the competition on the course but i was ready," the Rosa Associate Training camp athlete who has won several local half marathons too told journalists in Eldoret.

Kipchirchir's time reduced four minutes off former World cross country junior bronze medalist and two-time Africa Junior 5000m and 10,000m champion Mathew Kisorio who won the last edition in 2:12:38.

Winners of the third edition of the Eldoret City marathon will walk away with Sh3.5 million prize money.