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Kipkoech, Kiprop creams of Madoka Half-Marathon

Charity Wanja By Charity Wanja Published on: October 21, 2017 06:00 (EAT)
Kipkoech, Kiprop creams of Madoka Half-Marathon

Isaac Kipkoech and Vienna City Marathon winner Nancy Kiprop won the 12th edition of the Safaricom Madoka Half Marathon in Taita Taveta on Saturday.

Kipkoech braved the hot weather at the coastal region to take the honours in the men’s race in 1:04:10, four seconds ahead of Joseph   Koech. Koech settled for the runner’s up position in 1:04:15.

Shadrack Kiplagat went for third place in 1:04:38 in the 21km kilometre road race which was flagged off at Kericho Gardens.

“I’m happy for the victory. This was my second attempt in this race; in 2015, I finished number four. The competition was really tight but I was determined to win so I kept strong,” said Kipkoech.

Joseph Koech, Safaricom athletics series 2017 Madoka half marathon 1st runners up approaches the finishing line Ngerenyi grounds Wundanyi Taita Taveta County. The kericho based athlete clocked 1.04.15.14 ahead of Shadrack Kiplagat. Isaac Kipkoech won the race in 1.04.10.28
Joseph Koech, Safaricom athletics series 2017 Madoka half marathon 1st runners up approaches the finishing line Ngerenyi grounds Wundanyi Taita Taveta County. The kericho based athlete clocked 1.04.15.14 ahead of Shadrack Kiplagat. Isaac Kipkoech won the race in 1.04.10.28

Following his victory,  Kipkoech who trains in Kericho County, said that he is ready to represent Kenya in the upcoming Frankfurt Marathon, Germany on October 29.

The hilly course in Wundanyi also provided a perfect opportunity for Nancy Kiprop who was using the race as part of preparations for the Honolulu Marathon slated for December 10.

Kiprop said that she is happy with her training programme after clinching victory in 1:14.05, six seconds ahead of Naomi Kibet who settled for second place after clocking 1:14:11.

Safaricom athletics series 2017 Madoka half marathon winner women category Nancy Kiprop celebrates as she crosses the finishing line in Ngerenyi grounds Wundanyi Taita Taveta County. Nancy won in 1.14.05.17 ahead of Naomi Jebet who emerged number two in 1.14.11.19
Safaricom athletics series 2017 Madoka half marathon winner women category Nancy Kiprop celebrates as she crosses the finishing line in Ngerenyi grounds Wundanyi Taita Taveta County. Nancy won in 1.14.05.17 ahead of Naomi Jebet who emerged number two in 1.14.11.19

Nancy Munano stopped the timer at 1:14:15 for third place in the tightly contested race.

“I thank God for the victory. I had not expected it. I was scared of the hills but I owe it all to my training.  The course here is similar to that of Honolulu Marathon and I came here to test myself and see where I need to work on,” Kiprop who had travelled all the way form Elgeyo- Marakwet County to participate in the race, said. 

Over 3000 athletes and locals took part in the annual race for both men and women. Winners of the 21km race for both men and women took home Sh 500,000.

Men                                                  

  1.    Isaac Kipkoech 1:04:10
  2.    Koech Joseph 1:04:15
  3.    Kiplagat Shadrack 1:04:38
  4.    Patrick Mtunga 1:04:43
  5.    Stephen Mwendo 1:04:51

Women

  1.    Nancy Kiprop 1:14:05
  2.    Naomi Jebet  1:14:11
  3.    Nancy Munano 1:14:15
  4.    Loise Joy 1:16:14
  5.    Teresia Omasa 1:17:17

Tags:

TAITA TAVETA Nancy Kiprop Vienna City Marathon Isaac Kipkoech Safaricom Madoka Half Marathon

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