Kipkemboi, Jelagat romp to Stanchart Nairobi titles

Kipkemboi, Jelagat romp to Stanchart Nairobi titles

Robert Kipkemboi and Jane Jelagat- a training partner of Olympics champion Jemimah Sumgong- romped to the men and women Nairobi International Stanchart Marathon titles in contrasting fashion at the Kenyan capital on Sunday as thousands poured on to the streets for the annual signature event.

After pounding the tarmac on a hot and humid morning in the punishing elevation of the Kenyan capital, the men’s 42.182 Km showdown came down to a thrilling finish where Kemboi sprinted to his first Stanchart honours in 2:13:27 over the final 200m.

Mark Lokwanamoi caught the bouquet in 2:14:08 as Hillary Kiplimo closed the podium with the timer stopping 2:14:25 in the three-way pronged battle to bag the Ksh1.5m (USD 14,786.44) top prize.

“I had come here to set time and I’m happy with 2:13 it’s very encouraging. The course was great and I enjoyed it very much. ” Kipkemboi -the freshly minted champion and newest millionaire in town- said.

There was drama at the finish line when race officials almost denied Kiplimo third place and the Ksh 350,000 (USD 3,450.17) that comes with it because he wore a running number designated for women’s race in an organisational howler.

Vincent Tanui who finished just outside the rostrum in 2:14:37 was briefly elevated up a place before the matter was quickly resolved as second-placed Lokwanamoi took home Ksh650,000 (USD6,407.46).

Los Angeles Marathon winner, Weldon Kirui who added the stardust to the field was pushed down the finishing order to seventh (2:15:28) as the event sustained its tradition of ushering unknown names into the limelight.

In the women’s race, Jelagat braved the punishing heat to win her first ultimate distance crown in 2:34:18 as Rachel Kosgei (2:35:11) and Rose Maru (2:37:22) finished second and third as she also earned herself Ksh 150,000 subject to doping control procedures.

“I’m very excited have tried hard and long for this race. I have been training with Olympic champion Jemima Sumgong since January and it paid off. I hope to one day ran at London Marathon like her. She is my role model,” the excited winner said at the finish.

She is hoping her big victory will land her an international manager and coach after announcing her breakthrough to the world.

LEADING RESULTS

Men

1. Robert Kipkemboi 02:13:27
2. Mark Lokwanamoi 02:14:08
3. Hilary Kiplimo 02:14:25
4. Vincent Tanui 02:14:37
5. Emanuel Naibei 02:14:40
6. Vincent Kiptoo 02:15:15
7. Weldon Kirui 02:15:28
8. Titus Kurgat 02:15:32
9. Mathew Koech 02:15:44
10. Samson Keiyo 02:15:44

Women
1. Jane Jelagat Seurey 02:34:18
2. Rachel Kosgei 02:35:11
3. Rose Maru 02:37:22
4. Shelmith Muriuki 02:38:18
5. Emily Samoei 02:38:29
6. Kellen Waithera 02:41:21
7. Lucy Laivoga 02:49:54
8. Eunice Kioko 02:53:59
9. Naomi Nduta 02:54:05
10. Sheila Mbaku 03:00:02

Tags:

olympics athletics Robert Kipkemboi Jane Jelagat Jemimah Jelagat Nairobi Stanchart Marathon

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