Kipruto, Tirop clinch Tuskys Road Race titles

World 10,000m bronze medalist Rhonex Kipruto and Agnes Tirop won the first edition of the rebranded Tuskys Great 10km road race held Sunday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Kipruto who was making his first competitive appearance since clinching bronze in Doha clocked 28:23.8 ahead of world 5000m finalist Nicholas Kipkorir who finished second in 28:31.6 while Kibiwott Kandie settled for the third spot in 28:34.2

The 20-year-old said he is now focusing on next year’s Olympic Games as he seeks to end Kenya’s jinx in the 10000m race.

“Although it was the first time I have really enjoyed running in this course. I have had enough rest since I returned from Doha and it is now time to step up my preparations for the Olympic Games. I learnt a lot in Doha and hope to do better in Olympics,” said Kipruto who trains in Iten.

Tirop who is also the world 10,000m bronze medalist clocked 32:22.2 overcoming a late surge from Beyond Zero Half marathon winner Brillian Jepkorir who came second in 32:23.0 as the 2017 World Cross Country champion Irene Cheptai closed the podium in 32:26.5.

Having finished third at the World Championships behind Sifan Hassan of Netherlands and Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia, Tirop said she is seeking to double 5k and 10k at the Olympic Games.

“It was a tough race because my opponents were equally strong but I was prepared to win even though I had to dig deep. This race was particularly important to me as I am now starting my build up to next season with my focus being the Olympic Games,” said Tirop.

Coincidentally, the two athletes (Kipruto and Tirop) emerged last year’s winners in the senior Cross-Country race where they both won Mazda Demio cars.

It was the first time participants were competing in a road race after organisers shifted the event from the previous Cross Country events held annually since 2006.

The races began and ended outside the Zion Mall in Eldoret town with the County Governor Jackson Mandago among the guests who graced the event.

Summarised results

10km men

1 Rhonex Kipruto 28:23.8

2 Nicholas Kipkorir 28:31.6

3 Kandie Kibiwott 28:34.2

4 Robert Kiprop 28.43.2

5 Erick Kiptanui 28:44.6

6 Jacob Krop 28:53.1

10km women

1 Agnes Tirop 32:22.2

2 Brillian Jepkorir 32:23.0

3 Irene Cheptai 32:26.5

4 Sheila Chepkorir 32:29.3

5 Norah Jeruto 32:30.5

6 Dorcas Kimeli 32:45.8

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