The inaugural Nairobi City Marathon dubbed, “Uhuru Classic”, showpiece ended with some exciting talking points for athletics enthusiasts.
Winners earned $6,000 (Sh6 million) in what emerges as the highest paying marathon race in Africa.
Yesterday, Brimin Kipkorir Misoi and Agnes Barsosio blew away star-studded fields to win men’s and women’s races respectively inside Nyayo Stadium.
Kipkorir, the 2018 winner of the Authentic Athens Marathon, won the race without much fuss.
He triumphed in 2:08.30 ahead of Richard Rop, who checked in second in 2:09.17 as Daniel Yator sealed the podium places in 2:10.15. Simon Kipkosgei (2:10.22), Ezekiel Kemboi (2:11.25) and Robert Kimutai (2:12.27) followed in that order.
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Kipkorir is no stranger to the Nairobi marathon course, having chalked up victories at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon twice; in 2017 and 2020.
In the women's 42km race, Agnes Barsosio was in tip-top form. At the halfway mark, Barsosio blasted off from a forest of legs with an electric pace that tore the field to shreds.
She cut the tape in 2:24:45 ahead of Shyline Jepkorir who was second in 2:29:04. Sharon Cherop, the 2012 Boston Marathon winner, finished third in 2:29:37.
In the men's half marathon, Vincent Ngetich won in 61. 04 as 2016 Africa cross country bronze medallist Charles Mneria and Geoffrey Kipyego remained locked up in a tight battle for a second place finish in what ended in a photo finish.
Mneria finished second with the thickness of his vest even as the two stopped the timer at 61.04.
In the women's race, Irene Kimais won in 71.09 as Sophy Jepchirchir posted 61.10 for second place while Emily Chebet returned third in 71.10.
Kipkirui Langat won the men's race 28.10 ahead of Nelson Mandela (28.16) and Richard Ethir (28.18) who finished second and third respectively.
President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the marathon dubbed, “Uhuru Classic”. Also present were First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Sports Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohamed.
"I want to congratulate the winners and everyone who participated in this event. You have always showcased our country globally and we are proud of you. We hope that we will get the hosting rights for the 2025 World Athletics Championships," said Uhuru.
Uhuru added that the Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway will be opened for trial basis on Saturday before the official launch.
