Luke Kiprop clocked 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 19 seconds to clinch the second edition of the Iten International Marathon held in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Sunday.
He beat his closest challenger, Charles Kimeli who registered a time of 2 hours 14 minutes and 26 seconds to emerge second while Edwin Yator was a distant third, completing the marathon in 2 hours 14 minutes, and 58 seconds.
In the women’s category, Naomi Chepkorir was named the overall winner after finishing the race in 2 hours 32 minutes, and 36 seconds while Lina Kainore scored 2 hours 34 minutes,s and 27 seconds to finish second. Caroline Kimosop was third finishing in 2 hours 36 minutes and 36 seconds. Speaking after the win, Kiprop’s Coach Erick Kogo said:
“I am very proud of Kiprop for braving the cold and for winning his maiden marathon after beating all the odds. He stays with me at home, and I have been training him since he
joined us back in 2020. His talent is unmatched, and his future is bright because
he is in safe hands.”
In the 10km men’s race, Reuben Longosiwa triumphed after clocking 28 minutes and 32 seconds to scoop the first position beating Weldon Langat who registered 28 minutes and 44 seconds. Johana Erot settled for the third position finishing in 28 minutes and 46 seconds.
The event, powered by KCB saw Miriam Chebet clock 32 minutes and 53 seconds to claim the 10 km women’s race as Christine Chesire emerged second hitting 33 minutes and 9 seconds while Belinda Chemutai recorded 33 minutes and 18 seconds.
“The misty early morning and the tough course made it difficult for us, but it was
a good outing against some of the best athletes from within this region. I believe after today’s win; I have gained the confidence to take on other competitors in races to come,” reckoned Naomi Chepkorir.
This year’s edition was graced by CS Roads and Transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, CS Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Governors Wesley Rotich, Jonathan Bii, Stephen Sang, Benjamin Cheboi of Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Baringo Counties respectively among other leaders and government officials.
The marathon had a thematic approach geared toward the promotion of climate-smart resilient practices to foster economic growth, enhance food security and environment conservation in line with the national government’s climate action practices.