Athletics: Cheruiyot, Joyciline win Family Group marathon

FAMILY BANK MARATHON ELDORET. Joyciline Jepkosgei cools her throat after winning Family Bank Group Half Marathon in Eldoret yesterday. 07.10.2018. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD.

Little-known Kelvin Cheruiyot outclassed 2015 Valencia Marathon runner-up Mathew Kisorio to win the 12th edition of the Family Group Eldoret Half marathon yesterday.

Cheruiyot ran 1:02:01 to relegate Kisorio to the second spot in a scintillating race that started in Tendwo Secondary School near Kaptagat and ended in Eldoret town.

Kisorio clocked 1:02:18 as Wilfred Kimutai crossed the finish line at 1:03:31 to finish third.

“I had trained well for the race since I had a lot of hope that one day, I would win this half marathon,” Cheruiyot said.

Cheruiyot took part in the Eldoret half marathon in 2014 but performed poorly.

He was, however, triumphant on his return yesterday.

Kisorio, who is the Philadelphia and Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon champion, said he used the race to improve on his speed ahead of the Valencia Marathon in December.

“It was a challenge running with upcoming athletes. I came into this race to encourage elite runners to take part in local races and encourage our budding colleagues to  take part,” said Kisorio.

The fourth fastest runner with 58:46 he recorded in the 2011 Philadelphia Half marathon, Kisorio said he hopes to improve on his Personal Best in the Valencia marathon on December 2. He has a 2:06:33 he recorded at the 2015 Valencia marathon.

Nicholas Kimeli and Emmanuel Birech clocked 1:02:33 and 1:02:45 to take the fourth and fifth positions respectively during the race.

In the women’s category, World Half Marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei ran away with the title.

Joyciline, who boasts a season best of 1:06:46 from Ras Al Khaimah in UAE, cut the tape in 1:11:01.

“The race was challenging and competitive since there were many athletes here.

This year I have competed in a few races and I wanted this to be my last this season” she said.

Last year, she shuttered four world records; 10km, 15km and 20km and half marathon).