- Chelimo won the men’s race with a dominant display
- Chepkech clinched the women’s title, with Rita Jeptoo also competing
- Daniel Simiu won the men’s half marathon
Elias Chelimo and Sheila Chepkech reigned were crowned this year’s StanChart Nairobi Marathon, winners of the men and women’s titles.
Chelimo clocked 2:10:22 to win the men’s race while Chepkech clinched the women’s crown in 02:27.04.
The men’s race was a tight affair for most parts of the first half with a group of almost 20 athletes hurdling together in the leading pack, before Chelimo made his move at the 35km mark.
He was delighted with his victory, saying he was initially to compete at the Frankfurt Marathon on the same day, but missed out on the chance after failing to secure a visa.
“This is like a dream come true for me because it was a last minute decision after missing my visa for Germany. I am happy to have won and at least it wipes the disappointment away,” Chelimo said after clinching the title.
Elias heading to win the men’s StanChart Marathon
He added; “This victory has motivated me as I prepare to close the marathon season. My plan is to run one more before the year ends and hopefully go on to win as well.”
Wilfred Kirwa finished second in 2:10:51 while Felix Kangogo timed 2:11:10 in third. The race was run around a loop at the Southern Bypass.
Chepkech dominate women’s race
Chepkoech won the women’s race in 2:29:36 after also stamping her authority in the final two kilometres of the race, ran around a loop at the Southern bypass.
The women’s race was however dogged with controversy with a tussle on the next three positions after Chepkech, where Rita Jeptoo, a three-time Boston Marathon champion who is returning after serving a doping ban, also competed.
Meanwhile, 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu won the 21km race after clocking 1:01:09 ahead of Isaiah Lasoi. Everline Chirchir meanwhile won the women’s race in 1:09:58 ahead of Nelly Cheptoo who was second in 1:10:40.
Action from the StanChart Marathon
Simiu who is a regular 10km runner on the road decided to go double the distance and he ensured he earned victory, though he admitted it wasn’t easy.
“I have had to battle a flu in training and so I was not at 100pc. But I am delighted to have won. It was not an easy race but I had to work hard to win. Once I got into the lead, there was no way I was going to let go of it. It is a good way for me to start preparing for the track season and next year’s World Championships,” the 27 year old stated.
Beatrice Chepkoech competes in the 10km race
In the 10km race, Patrick Mosiri timed 31:39 to win the men’s race while the women’s race was won by Jesca Jelangat who timed 35:26 ahead of steeplechase world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech who timed 36:07.
Chepkoech who has been out with injury for the past three months is marking her slow return. The injury saw her miss her title defense at the World Championships.
In the wheelchair races, Martin Hahua timed 1:30:18 to win the men’s race while Caroline Wanjira clocked 2:01:30 to win the women’s race.
CS Ababu Namwamba graced the event and awarded winners of different categories.
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