Brimin Kipkorir, Changwony win 2019 StanChart Marathon titles

Brimin Kipkorir put up a spirited fight on Sunday morning to win the 2019 StanChart Nairobi Marathon clocking 2:10:42 to reclaim the title he last won in 2017.

Kipkorir was in good form fending off stiff competition from Stephen Kipchirchir and Victor Serem who came out second and third respectively in the 42kilometres race.

In the women’s marathon, 29-year-old Purity Changwony, the 2015 StanChart half marathon champion, showed remarkable grit and endurance to bag the honours after clocking 2:33:30. It was a special morning for Purity as it was the first time in her career, she was winning a full marathon title.

Taiyuan International Marathon champion Chemtai Rionotukei and last year’s Athens Marathon winner Shelmith Muriuki finished second and third respectively.

Speaking moments after reclaiming his 2017 title, Kipkorir who missed last year’s action to concentrate on Athens Marathon, said he was inspired by Eliud Kipchoge’s Austria heroics after the latter dipped 42kilometeres under two hours.

The race begun early morning with thousands taking part, and the morning sun made for ideal conditions as the racers snaked their way through city streets, some of which were closed purposely for the race.

“I’m happy to win this title and since I didn’t have a busy year like 2018, I had a good preparation for this race hence my success. But also, most importantly is the inspiration from my mentor Kipchoge who even gave me the pair of shoes I have used today,” he 2019 Iten Marathon champion said.

Women’s winner Purity Changwony who was coming back from her maternity leave which had kept her off the field since 2017, said she is happy to start full marathon journey on high note.

“I didn’t expect this win because I came here to taste my body after coming back few months ago and I’m so happy. I was expecting a top ten finish but not number one and now I want to build on this win as I venture proper into the full marathon,” she said.

In other races, Sheila Chepkirui topped in the women’s 21km while Andrew Nyamwai bagged the honours in the corresponding men’s race ahead of Kiprono Koech and Edmond Kipngetich.

Winners in the full marathon took home increased prize money of Sh2 million, up from the previous Sh1.5 million while victors in the 21km races pocked Sh 300,000, up from Sh200,000 for both genders.

Selected Winners

       42 Kilometres Men

1. Brimin Kipkorir
2. Stephen Kipchirchir
3. Victor Serem

42 Kilometres Women

1. Purity Changwony
2. Chemtai Rionotukei
3. Shelmith Muriuki