Millions for Murkomen after Nairobi City Marathon victory
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 06.07.25. | 11:10
Confident and driven, he is hoping to build on this momentum and cement his place among Kenya’s elite marathoners
Benson Murkomen finally got his moment of glory on home soil after winning the men’s 42km race at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, July 6.
Battling through chilly and demanding weather conditions in the capital, Murkomen clocked 2:08:36 to clinch the top prize, ahead of Justus Limo (2:08:42) and Albert Kangogo (2:09:06), who finished second and third respectively.
It was a triumphant return for the champion, who had narrowly missed out in previous attempts. He finished eighth in the 2023 edition of the same race and 12th at the Eldoret City Marathon.
But this time, the 2023 Zurich Maratón Donostia-San Sebastián winner came with a single mission: to dominate.
“The race was not bad. From the 21km mark, I was behind, but my body responded well at 28km. I held onto the leading pack, and that’s when I started controlling the race," the visibly excited Murkomen said.
“I had seen someone running closely behind me, and he looked very strong. So I had to push hard. I’ve been training for this, and I’m happy to finally win here," he continued.
The win not only brought him pride but also a handsome payday, as he pocketed Ksh3.5 million in prize money.
Murkomen, who made his full marathon debut just two years ago in 2023, has steadily risen through the ranks.
His international record includes a fifth-place finish at the Maratón BP Castellón, eighth at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, 22nd at the Paris Marathon, and 19th in Frankfurt.
He also placed 44th at the 2024 Zurich Marathon, a result that motivated him to regroup and refocus.
Now, with the Nairobi City Marathon win under his belt, Murkomen has his eyes set on his next target: the Valencia Marathon on Sunday, December 7.
Confident and driven, he is hoping to build on this momentum and cement his place among Kenya’s elite marathoners.
In the women’s 42km race, Emily Chepkemoi claimed top honours in 2:25:45, holding off Vivian Cherotich, who clocked 2:26:31.
Lucy Chelele completed the podium in 2:26:35. Hellen Chepkorir (2:27:49) and Naomi Chepkorir (2:27:52) finished fourth and fifth respectively, in a tightly contested field.
The half marathon races were equally thrilling. In the men’s category, Evans Kipchumba edged out Stephen Kimutai by a single second to win in 1:01:20.
Nahason Kipsang (1:01:32) and George Waiyaki (1:01:32) tied for third, while Hosea Kigen rounded out the top five in 1:01:36.
.jpg)
