Elijah Cheruiyot and Sharon Chelimo braved early morning chill to win the third edition of Eldama Ravine Half Marathon on Saturday in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.
Cheruiyot from Uasin Gishu county shook off strong challenge from big names including former world cross country junior silver medallist Titus Mbishei to win the men's race.
He clocked 63:30.25 ahead of Bungoma’s Titus Mbishei (63:35.43), who was returning to action after a long time. Nakuru’s Leonard Langat placed third in 63:36.56.
“I have not competed in 21 km before but a win here has given me motivation to keep training for more glory,” said Cheruiyot.
In the women's category, Chelimo from West Pokot beat a strong field to win the title in 72:55.57. Elgeyo Marakwet’s Catherine Reline was second in 73:15.90 while Uasin Gishu’s Jackline Chekal completed he podium in 73:36.43.
Chelimo said she was well prepared and the win was a huge boost especially after coming out of the coronavirus ‘lock-down. “I have been out of competition for long and beating some great names on this course was good for me,” said Chelimo.
In 10km race, Nandi’s Zenah Jeptoo won the women's 10km race in 35:06.22 and was followed by compatriot Nesvine Jepleting (36:00.16) and Nakuru’s Faith Cherono (36:18.99).
Kenneth Renju from Trans Nzoia was the men’s 10km race champion. He clocked 30:13.05 ahead of Dennis Kipkirui (30:19.90) and Bernard Kipkirui (30:23.18), who completed the podium.
Half marathon results
Women
1. Sharon Chelimo (West Pokot)- 72:55.57
2. Catherine Reline (Elgeyo-Marakwet)- 73:15.90
3. Jackline Chekal (Uasin Gishu)- 73:36.43
4. Beatrice Chepkemoi (Nakuru)- 74:21.84
5. Viola Chepngeno (Kericho)- 74:42.51
Men
1. Elijah Cheruiyot (Uasin Gishu)- 63:30.25
2. Titus Mbishei (Bungoma)- 63:35.43
3. Leonard Langat (Nakuru)- 63:36.56
4. Douglas Kimeli (Elgeyo-Marakwet)- 64:05.74
5. Michael Mutai (Nakuru)- 64:21.45
10km
Men
1. Kenneth Renju (Trans Nzoia)- 30:13.05
2. Dennis Kipkirui (Nakuru)- 30:19.90
3. Bernard Kipkirui- 30:23.18
4. Cosmas Sang- 30:41.47
5. Fredrick Dominge (West Pokot)- 30:41.96
Women
1. Zenah Jeptoo (Nandi)- 35:06.22
2. Nesvine Jepleting (Nandi)- 36:00.16
3. Faith Cherono (Nakuru)- 36:18.99
4. Beatrice Cherubet (Elgeyo-Marakwet)- 36:30.60
5. Mercy Kiraret (Elgeyo-Marakwet)- 26:56.25
