T. NashipaeKiprop and Chepkorir emerge victorious in Iten International Marathon
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 12.11.23. | 14:01
Despite the difficult track, the runners maintained outstanding speeds, with Kiprop finishing in 2:13:19 and Jepchirchir taking the win at 2:32:36 in the festive event.
The second Iten International Marathon, held on November 12 in Elgeyo Marakwet County, lived up to its promise of establishing the training ground as a destination for athletes and the home of champions.
Debutant marathoner Luke Kiprop and Naomi Chepkorir overcame the foggy and misty conditions in the 42-kilometer race on a high-altitude course from Chororget to Iten. Each of them will return home with an extra Sh1 million following a clean bill from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.
Despite the difficult track, the runners maintained outstanding speeds, with Naibei finishing at 2:08:43 and Jepchirchir taking the win at 2:28:33 in the festive event.
It wasn't easy to know that Kiprop was running his debut in the full marathon, as he effortlessly crossed the mark and was still energetic for the interview. He cut the tape five minutes slower than the course record set by Samuel Naibei in the inaugural edition last year.
“It is my first marathon. Previously, I was running 10 km, but I decided to upgrade to the marathon,” Kiprop said after crossing the finishing mark. "I did not expect to win, but I am so happy with the results. Hard work and discipline have propelled me to win”.
Joining him on the podium were second- and third-place finishers Charles Kimeli and Edwin Yator, who clocked 2:14:19 and 2:14:46, respectively, in the race run on a tough course that started in Chororget and ended in Iten town.
In the ladies' category, Chepkorir ran 2:32:36 ahead of Lina Kaino (2:34:27) to settle for second place, while Caroline Kimosop completed the podium in 2:36:36.
“The course was good, but it was freezing. I have done my best because I was training in the rain. This is my first major win. I came on maternity leave, then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, but I am back. Running is my passion, and I am now targeting more wins,” Chepkorir said after the win.
This year's edition also featured a 10km showdown for the first time, with budding road and track star Reuben Longosiwa topping the men’s 10km race while MonacoRun 5km champion Miriam Chebet took the women’s crown in that event.
Longosiwa crossed the line in 28:32, followed by Nelson Langat and Johana Erot, who timed 28:44 and 28:46, respectively, in the 10km clash.
One notable feature in the 5km category was the 71-year-old Benjamin Cheptalam, who noted that finishing the race was a big achievement in his career.
"The race was fine. Nothing was very challenging. I looked back and didn't see anyone, and I thought I was lost until I saw the police car. I feel rejuvenated. I will participate more in the future," Cheptalam said.
Legendary runners from Elgeyo Marakwet, like double Olympic and World Champion Faith Kipyegon, women's only world marathon record holder Mary Keitany, three-time winner of the Boston Marathon Ibrahim Hussein, Daniel Komen, and Wesley Korir, among others, graced the event.
Among the dignitaries present were Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Chelilim, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Transport Kipchumba Murkomen, and CS Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Ababu Namwamba.
.jpg)
