Kangogo Strike gold at Kass Marathon in Eldoret as Jepkosgei claims women’s crown

Agnes Jepkosgei broke a seven-year-old jinx as she successfully got the second bite of the cherry to claim the eighth Kass International Marathon in Eldoret.

A river of fortune also flowed to marathon debutant Philip Kangogo, who wrapped up the men's title. Both athletes walked home with Sh1.5 million.

Kangogo wanted to win the Kass International Marathon so as to inspire his wife and former World junior medalist Esther Chemutai who was lining up at the Turin Marathon in Italy yesterday for a similar onslaught.

But in Eldoret, a brilliant show concluded the fierce mind games between three athletics-rich counties of Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet with their three Governors at the finishing line to cheer on their winners.

It was particularly sweet victory for 31-year-old Kangogo, from Tangasir Village in Moiben Constituency in Uasin Gishu County, who braved the high elevations along the Kapsabet-Eldoret road course winning in 2.20.06 ahead of Gilbert Maina (2:20.40) and Soibei Kiprotich (2:2.53).

Boaz Kiprono (2:21.29), Philip Ngetich (2:21.32), Michael Kasisit (2:23.20), Vincent Kipchumba (2.23.32), Edwin Kosgei (2.24.17), Robert Kigen (2.24.21) and Bernard Kimaiyo closed the top ten in 2.24.47.

Kangogo formed the leading pack of around ten athletes that had former Africa 10,000m champion Wilson Kiprop, which instilled fears among the leaders.

But it was at the 21km mark when Kiprop tumbled after the water point and dropped off from the leading pack, which helped Kangogo opened the gap.

And upon approaching the Mosoriot hill, the usual point for major upsets, Kangogo then stepped up the pace with a fine run.

"I knew too well that Kiprop could pull a surprise and I decided to break away. Kiprop is a strong athlete and really feared him so I seized the opportunity to pull away. The course here is hilly with a number of turns and that's why I saved energy for final stages," said Kangogo.

Fresh from a ninth finishes at the ABC Bank Baringo half marathon and Masai Mara race and sixth at the Machakos 21km race, Kangogo certainly proudly walked Sh1.5million richer.

Kangogo, who also finished 10 at the Tegla Loroupe 10km Peace run, said he will plough of the Kass Marathon cash to support the Tegla Loroupe race.

And he now longs to compete in well-heeled marathons like Boston and New York next year.

"My intention is to enter the Boston marathon next year. For now I am running as an individual athlete and if I will get a manager, I will be glad," he said with a pensive smile.

In the women's front, 2012 Kass Marathon winner Agnes Jepkosgei strolled to her second title after finishing second last year. She denied Yatta-based and 2010 winner Magdaline Mugunzi, who returned fourth, a second title.

Jepkosgei, who comes from Marakwet, won in 2.47.10 while Pamela Jemeli came second in 2.50.23 and Caroline Jepchirchir finished third in 2.55.7.

Mugunzi came fourth in 2.56.30 while Maximillah Koros (2:58.29), Sally Korir (2.55.00), Silvia Jemeli (2.57.13), Gladys Biwott (3.02.01), Pamela Tanui (3.03.42) and Bornes Kitur closed the top ten in 3.05.10.

But Susan Emojong from the far-flung Lokitang in Turkana County beat huge odds as she shook off travel jade to finish in 34th place in 10km race.

Jepkosgei, who trains in Kapsabet, said:"I have gained alot of experience in road running and this has prepared me for major marathons.Winning two titles here was not an easy task.For now I want to enjoy my off season."

Nandi County Governor Dr Cleophas Lagat and his Uasin Gishu counterpart Jackson Mandago alongside a host of world beating athletes attended the showpiece.