Kipchoge, Chepkoech win SJAK awards

Eliud Kipchoge after receiving his award. [Standard Sports]

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has been named StarTimes/ Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK] Sports Personality of the Month of September.

Kipchoge set a world record of 2:01.39 to erazed Dennis Kimetto’s then world record of 2:02.57 at the Berlin Marathon on September 16.

He also set world marks in 35km (1:41.01) and 40km (1:55.32) in an exciting show in the German capital.

Beatrice Chepkoech, who set a world record of eight minutes 44.32 seconds to break the previous record mark of 8:52.78 set by Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet in 2016, was feted as the Month of August winner. The ceremony was held at Global Sports Communications camp in Kaptagat where, incidentally, the two athletes are attached.

Chepkoech won the 3000m Steeplechase title at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba, Nigeria, in a championship record of 8:59.88 seconds. She then posted a brilliant 8:55.10 at the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium.

They were awarded with 43-inch StarTimes Digital TV set, Sh100,000 and a customised trophy. Chepkoech and Kipchoge were the 14th and 15th recipients of the awards respectively.

“I am happy. I wasn’t expecting this award. I think I have had a good season. Last year, I was disappointed with performance but gathered courage,” said Chepkoech.

StarTimes Kenya Marketing Director Japheth Akhulia described Kipchoge as an outstanding athlete who displayed resilience and grit.

Kipchoge topped ahead of three-time Berlin Marathon winner Gladys Cherono who won the women’s race at the Berlin Marathon in a course record of 2:18.11 seconds.

Other nominees included 14 year old Angela Okutoyi who won the Kenya Open Tennis Championship after beating top seed Shufaa Changawa, WBC Female Super Bantamweight title holder Fatuma Zarika and Leonard Mugaisi of Homeboyz RFC.

StarTimes also presented a 43 inch Digital TV to the Global Sports Communication camp in Kaptagat to recognize their athletes' exemplary results.

The sports personality of the month awards is a partnership between StarTimes and SJAK and rewards sports personalities every month.