Kenyan runners ruled the streets of Europe on Sunday, striking doubles at both Verona and Barcelona half marathons.
Vivian Jepkorir and Wesley Yego won the Verona Half Marathon in Italy as former world half marathon record holders Joyciline Jepkosgei and Kibiwott Kandie ruled the streets of Barcelona, Spain.
Jepkorir set a personal best of 69:18 to win the women's title by leading home the Italian pair of Giovanna Epis (70:55) and Nausica Barberin in 77:48 on her debut.
Yego led a 1-2 podium finish for Kenyans when he clocked 61:15 ahead of Enos Kales (62:31) while Bute Gemechu (62:45) took the bronze medal.
In Barcelona, experienced Jepkosgei won the women’s title in a course record of 64:27 followed by Ethiopian Senbere Teferi (64:38) and Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui (66:32).
Kandie won the men's title in 59:20 ahead of Swedish Andreas Almgren (59:22) and Kenyan Rencer Kipkorir ( 59:27 ).
Elsewhere, Kenyan Wilfred Kirwa and Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa were the winners of the Riyadh Marathon.
Kigen won the men’s title in a personal best of 2:08.39 followed by Ethiopian Abe Gashahun (2:08.51) and Anoar El Ghouz of Morocco ( 2:10.38).
Hirpa clocked 2:27.20 to lead an Ethiopian sweep alongside Nigist Muluneh (2:27.49) and Zenebu Fikadu (2:28.45).
Selected results
Verona Half Marathon
Women
Vivian Jepkorir (KEN) 69:18
Epis Giovanna (ITA) 70:55
Barberini Nausica (ITA) 77:48
Lobba Chiora (ITA) 79:44
Stenta Caterina (ITA) 80:51
Serena Eva (ITA) 81:22
Ceccolin Sara (ITA) 82:35
Wessteiner Doris (ITA) 82:38
Lutteri Ariana (ITA) 83:40
Giorgi Tamara (ITA) 84:37
Men
Wesley Yego (KEN) 61:15
Enos Kales (KEN) 62:31
Bute Gemechu (ETH) 62:45
D’Onofrio Daniele (ITA) 63:13
Nzikwinkunda Onesphore (ITA) 64:17
Chevrier Xavier (ITA) 64:17
Agostini Francesco (ITA) 65:38
Puppi Francesco (ITA) 65:55
Cagnati Lorenzo (ITA) 68:04
Beltrame Tobia (ITA) 68:10
