Kass Marathon - Where champions are born

KASS MARATHON ELDORET. Athletes participate in men's 42 kilometers to win the Kass Marathon race which started in Nandi County and later finished at the Eldoret Sports Club ground on Sunday. Evan Biwott won clocking 2:19.41.20.11.2016. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD.

 It did not matter the age or experience of the runners.

When the gun sounded to signal start of this year's Kass Marathon on Sunday in Eldoret, every participant stood to be counted, while hundreds of fans found it easier to file along the route and cheer on the competitors.

In the full marathon, focus was constantly fixed on the goal; Sh1.5m top prize. For other categories, it was yet another chance to do what most enjoy doing; running.

Residents of Eldoret and Kapsabet town in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties didn't disappoint as they turned up to participate in the 10th edition of Kass Marathon. Both the elderly and the young ones turned up in large number to take part in the race. 20-11-2016. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI (R)

And run they did as Cologne marathon champion Bornes Jepkirui and reigning Iten marathon champion Evans Biwott emerged winners of the marathon now in its 10th edition.

World military games 5,000m champion Emmanuel Kipsang won 12km race, while 2010 IAAF world half marathon bronze medalist Pascalia Jepkorir took charge in women category.

During the event that was flagged off in Kapsabet and ended at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu, high technology was used to ward off any cheats.

The 42km men's race was a critical point where the second placed Edwin Tarus who was purported to have cheated but due to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), saved him from the agony.

Jepkirui, who faced a stiff competition from Kenya Defence Forces Vivian Kiplagat and Sheilah Jepkosgey, said she has been yearning to win at least one local race, as she prepares for Mumbai marathon.

"The race was not easy because the course was hilly and windy, but I had to capitalise on the windy condition for victory. I always train under such conditions along Nandi Hills and Kapsabet roads," said Jepkirui.

"I ran behind Jekosgey and Kiplagat, but after 36km, I had to take the lead, only to realize at 300m to the tape, they were just next to me. I had to sprint to victory," added Jepkirui, who pocketed Sh1.5m after cutting the tape in 2:42.57

After running on the course for four years, it was a great harvest for Evans Biwott, who won Iten Marathon in July.

"I have run on this course for the past four years and winning today was a dream come true. I have been trying my best to win local races, but the level of competition has been so high. But I have now gained experience in road running," Biwott, who cut the tape in 2:19.02, said.

Selected results
42km women
1. Bornes Jepkirui-2:42.57.5
2. Vivian Kiplagat-2:43.43.9
3. Sheilah Chepkeoch-2:44.37.4
4. Tecla Kirongo-2:46.18.9
5. Silvia Tenai-2:47.75.6

42km men
1. Evans Biwott-2:19.02.2
2. Edwin Tarus-2:19.41.0
3. Justus Kiprotich-2:19.48.7
4. Kennedy Cheborbor-2:20.03.8
5. Henry Kosgey2:20.20.2

12km women
1. Pascalia Jepkorir-42:06.1
2. Ivone Jelagat-42:57.7
3. Roselyda Chepketer-43:13.0
4. Viola Yator-43:14.5
5. Loise Chepkirui-43:20.7

12km men
1. Emmanuel Kipsang-36.14.7
2. Daniel Rotich-36:32.1
3. Peter Kiptalam-36:33.5
4. Hillary Kering-36:42.4
5. Bernard Kimeli -36:49.4