•Kibor won the Kapsabet Half Marathon in 71:34.56 ahead of Gladys Songol (73:29.31) and Joan Chepkosgei (74:03.39).
•She said such local races are good for the upcoming athletes to build careers. These are the kinds of races they are supposed to use to showcase their talents.
Image: EMMANUEL SABUNI
After winning the inaugural Kapsabet Half Marathon, Marion Kibor's next stop will be the Ottawa Marathon on May 26 in Canada.
Kibor, also the 2023 Paris Half Marathon silver medalist, said the Kapsabet race was part of her build-up ahead of the Ottawa Marathon, where she will seek her maiden win in the 42km distance.
“ I am trying to work on my endurance by racing in some of these events. Last year, I competed in the Amsterdam Marathon and finished eighth. I want to improve on that,” said Kibor.
Kibor won the Kapsabet Half Marathon in 71:34.56 ahead of Gladys Songol (73:29.31) and Joan Chepkosgei (74:03.39).
She said she won easily because she trains on the same course. “Since I train here, it was easy for me despite the hilly course posing challenges. I was prepared for this race and the victory did not come as a surprise,” She said.
She said such local races are good for the upcoming athletes to build careers. These are the kinds of races they are supposed to use to showcase their talents.
Amos Kiplagat won the men’s 21-km title after cutting the tape in 62:47.07. Robert Keter (63:04.6) and Joshua Kimutai (63:15.6) completed the podium.
Image: EMMANUEL SABUNI
In an interview, Kiplagat said the hilly course posed challenges for him but he is happy he prevailed. “I opted to run from behind to save energy for the sprint finish. The race was complicated considering that the starting point was hilly. Then there was a kilometre of a flat course and another 7km off the hilly situation again,” he added.
Former world under-20 cross country bronze medalist Pamela Kosgei and Eldoret Half Marathon champion Daniel Kinyanjui were the winners in the 10km category
SELECTED RESULTS
21km men
1. Amos Kiplagat- 62:47.7
2. Robert Keter- 63:04.6
3.Joshua Kimutai- 63:15.6
4. Nehemiah Kimaru- 63:48.3
5. Philemon Koros- 63:50.3
6. Gilbert Kipkemboi- 63:55.9
7. Abraham Kiptum- 63:57.1
8. Elijah Cheruiyot- 64:09.1
9. Gilbert Kipkosgei-64:34.5
10. Kiprono Byegon- 64:37.2
21km women
1. Marion Kibor- 71:34.56
2. Gladys Songol- 73:29.31
3. Joan Chepkosgei- 74:03.93
4. Mercy Chepkoech-74:05.83
5. Salome Otiso- 74:06.72
6.Irene Jerojor- 74:09.40
7. Joylene Chepngeno-74:53.90
8. Rita Chelangat- 75:26.24
9. Sharon Chemeli- 75:29.01
10. Emmaculate Chepkirui- 75:46.54
10km men
1. Daniel Kinyanjui- 27:24.79
2. Roncer Konga- 27:45.72
3. Dismas Lokira- 27:52.56
4. Amos Kipkirui- 27:53.56
5.Lengaric Lolkurr- 28:03.52
6.Collins Kiprop- 28:13.39
7.Daniel Kimaye-28:16.98
8. Shadrack kenduiwo-28:17.16
9. Anthony Kemboi- 28:21.46
10. Philemon Kosgei- 28:26.98
10km women
1.Pamela Kosgei- 31:19.31
2. Millicent Kemboi- 31:30.84
3. Emmy Chepkemoi- 31:37.85
4. Faith Chepchirchir-31:44.88
5. Mercy Chemutai- 31:52.70
6. Christine Chesiro- 31:53.11
7. Glorious Jepkirui-32:08.41
8. Abigael Chepkoech- 32:13.43
9.Rency Kogo- 32:40.02
10. Elida Chelimo- 32:46.91