Kipngeno, Kosgei win Ndakaini marathon titles

The Safaricom Kisii half marathon champion, Patrick Kipng’eno, and Brigit Kosgei are the new UAP Ndakaini half marathon champions.

Kipng’eno clocked 1:05.18 to win the men’s race of the 13th edition of the inaugural race held at Ndakaini area of Gatanga, Muranga County, beating his closest rival, Robert Kipkembio, by only 10 seconds with seasoned cross country runner, Hosea Macharinyang, finishing third on 1:06.34.

“The beginning of the race was a bit tough; we all started well and each one of us was trying to break away from the pack early. I took an early lead and from there I could feel there were only two or three people trying to catch up,” the 23-year-old told Citizen Digital after the race.

“The weather was favourable. It’s nearly the same as that of my home where I train so it has helped me so much in winning,” the former winner of the Standard Chartered marathon half marathon added.

Shadrack Kiplagat (1:06.48) and Daniel Kiprotich (1:07.01) completed the top five list.

In the women’s category, Kosgei stopped the clock at 1:16.09 to beat Marion Limo (1:17.03) and Beatrice Mutai (1:20.53).

Sally Chemtai (1:21.51) and Sheila Chesang (1:23.28) completed the women’s top five list.

The elated Kosgei said she was pleased with her performance, adding that she was using the race as a build up to the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon that will be held at the Portugal capital of Lisbon on October, 2.

The event saw over participants compete in the race with the winners of the 21-kilometer race taking home Ksh 200,000.