Koech, Chepngeno dominates Boston Half Marathon

• Koech broke Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia’s previous course record time of 1:00:34 by more than thirty seconds.
• Zouhair Talbi of Morocco finished third, clocking 1:02:15.
• Vibian Chepkirui and Cynthia Limo finished in the fourth and sixth positions, clocking 1:11:20 and 1:12:11, respectively.

The Boston Half Marathon went down this weekend in Boston, with Kenya’s Geoffrey Koech and Viola Chepngeno emerging as this year’s winners.

Geofrey Koech crossing the finish line at the 2022 B.A.A Half Marathon men’s race. Photo B.A.A

The 29-year-old Koech broke Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia’s previous course record time of 1:00:34 by more than thirty seconds.

Koech broke away from a four-person set-up at the last three kilometres to claim the victory in a time record of 1:02:02 ahead of Ethiopia’s Tsegay Kidanu, who finished in the second position after clocking 1:02:10.

Desisa, the 2019 World Marathon champion, made his entry to the Boston Half Marathon this year as the third fastest in the field with a Personal Best time of 59:30, while Kidanu holds a Personal best of 59:52. 

In 2020, he finished 35th at the Valencia Marathon with a time record of 2:10:44 in December.

Zouhair Talbi of Morocco finished third, clocking 1:02:15.

Kenya’s Shadrack Kimining and James Ngandu finished in fifth and eighth positions, clocking 1:02:39 and 1:03:36, respectively.

Shadrack Kimining made his entry to the B.A.A Half Marathon with a personal best of 59:27, and He is also the second fastest in the field. 

He recently competed at the Rimi Riga Half Marathon Kimining in may, where he was placed second with a time record of 1:00:34.

Other Kenyans on the race include Dennis Kipkosgei, who finished in 17th position after clocking 1:06:04.

Top Results

1. Geoffrey Koech (Kenya) – 1:02:02
2. Tsegay Kidanu (Ethiopia) – 1:02:10
3. Zouhair Talbi (Morocco) – 1:02:15
4. Teshome Mekonen (Ethiopia) – 1:02:28
5. Shadrack Kimining (Kenya) – 1:02:39
6. Alberto Gonzalez Mindez (Guatamela) – 1:02:44
7. Yemane Haileselassie (Erethrea) – 1:03:01
8. James Ngandu (Kenya) – 1:03:30
9. Johannes Motschmann (Germany) – 1:03:36
10. Jose Santana (Mexico) – 1:03:46

Women’s Race

Viola Chepngeno was crowned this year’s Boston Half Marathon winner in the women’s race after clocking a time record of 1:10:40.

Viola Chepngeno crosses the finish line to win the B.A.A Half Marathon women’s race. Photo B.A.A.

Ethiopian Bosena Mulatie was placed second after clocking 1:10:43 ahead of her compatriot Hiwot Gebrekidan who was placed third with a time record of 1:11:09.

Kenyans Vibian Chepkirui and Cynthia Limo finished in the fourth and sixth positions, clocking 1:11:20 and 1:12:11, respectively.

Top Results

1. Viola Chepngeno (Kenya) – 1:10:40
2. Bosena Mulatie (Ethiopia) – 1:10:43
3. Hiwot Gebrekidan (Ethiopia) – 1:11:09
4. Vibian Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:11:20
5. Anna Dibaba (Ethiopia) – 1:11:39
6. Cynthia Limo (Kenya) – 1:12:11
7. Erika Kemp (USA) – 1:12:13
8. Jessa Hanson (USA) – 1:12:24
9. Deborah Schoneborn (Germany) – 1:12:39
10. Kinsey Middleton (Canada) – 1:13:20

Men’s Wheelchair Race

Daniel Romanchuk won the men’s wheelchair race with a time record of 00.50:43 ahead of Hermin Garic, who finished in the second position with a time record of 00: 55:09, while Valera Jacob finished in third place.

Speaking after the race, Romanchuk cited as a big challenge for him during the race.

“I am looking forward to racing new courses, a technical one for that matter, and the Boston Half Marathon did not disappoint at all,” said Romanchuk. “The rains only added another challenge, but it was fun racing here, and I’m delighted with the outcome today. Looking forward to being back in April for the marathon!” Said Romanchuk

Women’s Wheelchair Race

Jenna Fasemyer cruised to clinch the victory in the women’s Wheelchair race with a time record of 00:59:50 ahead of Yen Haong, who finished second with a time record of 00:59:52, while Michelle Wheeler finished third with a time record of 01:06:01.