Former Boston queen Kilel wins in Kebirigo

By Phillip Orwa

Last year’s Boston Marathon champion Caroline Kilel won the 10th edition of the 10km Safaricom sponsored Kebirigo road race.

 Kilel crowned off the year on high to win the Safaricom Gusii Golden Series jackpot, on Friday.

The 2011 Boston Marathon winner defeated a field of 26 contestants consisting of her two main rivals, Damaris Areba and Jane Moraa to clinch the title after she returned in 35:24.56 ahead of her teammate Risper Chebet, who clocked 36:04.44.

In the men’s category, two times World junior cross country champion Phillip Mosima was upset by Emmanuel Ngaituny of Nyanturago, who clocked 30:19.16, while Mosima returned 30:33.87 to finish second.

The race kicked off at Nyabite and ended at Kebirigo.

Kilel, who won had earlier won the series opener in Gucha but finished third in the Kisii, knew only a win would see her triumph over her opponents.

“This victory is hard-fought after stiff competition from Chebet and Jane Moraa of Nyanturago who clocked 36:11.53 to finish in third place,” said Kilel after the win.

“My opponents pushed me all the way and this victory did not come easy but I thank the Almighty God,” Kilel added.

“This my second time to win the jackpot because I first won it in 2010. I look forward to participating in international events God willing,” She added.

The fourth, fifth and sixth slots went to Lucy Riavoga of Kipkelion (36:45.54), Damaris Areba (37:1508) and Irene Mogaka (37:54.44) respectively.

 In the men’s category, Ngaituny exhausted a strong field of 56 runners and described his triumph as preposterous and unforgettable.

“This is remarkable, I did not expect to win, there were a lot of favourites here who are better than me,” he said.

Isaac Lagat and Moses Nkeiywa of Kipkelion and Nyanturago took position three and four posting personal bests of 30:35.33 and 30:41.40 respectively.

Winners in the race took home Sh100,000 and a cow and will have a chance to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run in Addis Ababa on November 24.