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Jepkemboi targets more Half Marathon accolades after sizzling Nairobi Marathon triumph

Jepkemoi is inspired to do more half-marathon races

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by TEDDY MULEI

Athletics07 July 2025 - 10:30
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In Summary


  • ‎Jepkemboi, 23,  produced a decisive kick to claim the title, clocking 1:09:25 ahead of Millicent Jelimo, who clocked 1:09:36 and Emily Chebet, who completed the podium in 1:10:19. ‎
  • ‎Jepkemboi, traditionally a 5,000m and 10,000m runner, noted that she decided to participate in the race after having done sufficient long runs in training.

Nelvin Jepkembioi reacts after winning 21-km race/HANDOUT
Nelvin Jepkemboi reckons she has what it takes to dominate the half-marathon scene after announcing her arrival with a commanding debut victory at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday. ‎

‎Jepkemboi, 23,  produced a decisive kick to claim the title, clocking 1:09:25 ahead of Millicent Jelimo who clocked 1:09:36 and Emily Chebet who completed the podium in 1:10:19. ‎ ‎

Jepkemboi, traditionally a 5,000m and 10,000m runner, noted that she decided to participate in the race after having done sufficient long runs in training.

‎ ‎"I have been doing long runs. I have not been doing training for the track, so I decided to come today and run the half marathon, and I emerged victorious," Jepkemboi said. ‎

‎Jepkemboi credited her training partner, marathon great and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, for playing a pivotal role in her preparation.

‎ ‎"I thank Brigid Kosgei for her guidance in my training. She has played a big role in my build-up for this race today," she added. ‎ ‎

Despite being her first outing over 21km, Jepkemboi showed poise beyond her years. ‎

‎"I had the strength to push on. This was my first half marathon, and it was a great experience," she noted.

‎ ‎With her victory, Jepkemboi reckons she has a bright future over 21km.

‎ ‎"I see I have a good future in the half marathon because I was able to run a good time in my debut, which is a huge plus for me," she noted. ‎

‎Runner-up Jelimo, who trains in Kapsabet, was proud of her progression after finishing fifth at last year’s edition. 

 ‎"I ran last year and finished fifth and decided to do more speed work for this year's edition." ‎

‎In the men’s race, Evans Kipchumba also made a sparkling debut at the Nairobi City Marathon, clinching the crown in 1:01:20. ‎ ‎

He edged out Stephen Kimutai by a second (1:01:21), with Nahason Kipsang completing the podium in 1:01:32.

‎ ‎"This was my first race at the Nairobi City Marathon and I am glad I was able to win," Kipchumba said. ‎ ‎Reflecting on the race, Kipchumba noted that he trusted his finishing kick in the final stretch to the line.

‎ ‎"The race was good, the only challenge was the weather. I knew I had the finishing kick and I was ready for it," he said.

‎ ‎For Kimutai, the runner-up finish marked a career breakthrough. ‎

‎"This is my first race to make the podium. I have been making the top 10 in my previous races, and now to make the podium is a huge bonus," he noted. ‎

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