Rhonex Kipruto rules in the New York Half Marathon

World 10000m bronze medalist Rhonex Kipruto kicked off his season on a positive note after claiming gold in the New York Half Marathon on Sunday.

Hundreds of athletes had the opportunity to grace the race for the first time since 2019 as both the last year and the 2020 editions were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 10k record holder clocked 1:00:30 to pick the top honours in the race that was conceived in 2003 ahead of compatriot  Edward Cheserek who came second in 1:00:37.

Teshone Mekonen of Ethiopia had to be content with a bronze medal after finishing third in 1:00:40 while Kenyan born Shadrack Kipchirchir who was representing the host nation clocked 1:01:16 to finish fourth.

Conner Mantx of the United States wrapped the top five bracket after timing one hour, a minute and forty seconds.

Kipruto said he had to put his best foot forward in order to claim the top honours in the hilly course.The 22-year-old’s time was fifth fastest in event history and marked his second victory in Central Park, having also won the 2018 UAE Healthy Kidney 10K.

“I feel good because I've come back again to win, and my first win was in New York.It was not an easy win because the course is very hilly. It was about the win, not about the time," he told the organizers.

Ethiopia's Senbere Teferi claimed gold in the ladies category after cutting the tape at 1:07:35. Teferi cut the tape while under pressure from Irene Cheptai who claimed silver in 1:07:37. Karoline Grovdal of Norway bagged bronze after coming third in 1:08:07. Teferi, a two-time Olympian and the 5K world-record holder, set both the course and event records.