All systems go for Stanchart Marathon as Kipkorir aims at title

Former Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon winner Joshua Kipkorir will looking forward to reclaiming his 2015 title on Sunday, as he expects a fierce battle for the top podium place against his brother and Lagos City Marathon runners up, Ronny Kipkoech.

The 23 year old Kipkorir intends to write history amongst the 200 elite runners that will grace the event as he targets the eight year old course record of 2 hours, 10 minutes and 12 seconds, set by country man Moses Kipkosgei Kigen back in 2009.

Earlier this year, Kipkorir set a personal best of 2:09.50 after finishing second at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, India, behind Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu (2:09:32), as compatriot Eluid Barngetuny came in third in 2:10:39.

He also holds a PB of 1:00.24 in the half marathon after his triumphant outing at the 2016 Xiamen Haicang Half Marathon in China.

Kenya's Bornes Kitur cuts the tape to win the women Stanchart Mumbai Marathon race in New Delhi. PHOTO/Spain Sports
Kenya’s Bornes Kitur cuts the tape to win the women Stanchart Mumbai Marathon race in New Delhi. PHOTO/Spain Sports

Hilary Kiplimo with a PB of (2:14:18) will pose a threat to the two brothers after finishing twice at third place in 2:14:25 and 2:14:18 during the 2015 and 2016 editions.

Notably, Robert Kipkemboi who claimed top podium place in 2:13.27 will not defend his title opting to prepare for next year’s Xiamen International Marathon, same case as women’s race winner Jelegat Seurey (2:34.18).

Mercy Jemutai at sub 2:31 athlete will highlight the women’s race as she sets eyes on the Sh 1.5 million prize money awarded to each of the 42 km winners.

The race dubbed #RunForAReason will start at the Haile Selassie Road outside the Railway Club and not the usual point at the Nyayo National Stadium. The change of route has been occasioned by the ongoing renovations works at the stadium.

Hence, the finish point will be at the Railway club.The 21 km wheel chair athletes will be the first to be flagged off at 6:50 am, Full Marathon at 7:00am, and Half Marathon at 7:20 am.

Meanwhile, the  Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Peter Gitau has pointed out that several roads in the Central Business District (CBD) will be closed to allow easy movements along the course.

Nairobi Stanchart International Marathon women 42km marathon winner, Jane Seurey Jelagat. PHOTO/www.sportpicha.com
Nairobi Stanchart International Marathon women 42km marathon winner, Jane Seurey Jelagat. PHOTO.Sportpicha.

“Traffic to and out of the city will be diverted to alternative roads .The designated marathon route will remain closed between 4am and 1pm.

“Some of the affected roads include; sections of Mombasa Road, Uhuru High Way, Upper Hill and Forest Road, while within the CBD, Kenyatta Avenue, sections of Haile Selasie, and University Way, will remain closed until 11:30am,” said the LOC chair.

Gitau added that registration is still on for the five race categories; the 42 Km, 21 Km, 10Km, 5km family fun run and 3 km CEO challenge but will close on Friday 24, end of business.

 All the funds raised from the registration will be channeled to Seeing is Believing, Standard Chartered  Bank’s flagship CSR program that focuses on addressing avoidable blindness among children below 15 years. Since the marathon was launched in 2003, more than KES 180 million has been raised with 10,000 children benefiting from corrective surgery.

Tags:

Nairobi Sunday Lagos City Marathon Joshua Kipkorir Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Roads to be closed Ronny Kipkoech

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories