Athletics: Kipkoech and Kiprop triumph in Madoka race

Nancy Kiprop from Iten wins the ladies category during the 12th edition of the Madoka Half Marathon Championship which was held at Ngerenyi Farm in Wundanyi within Taita Taveta County, October 21, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Isaac Kipkoech and Nancy Kiprop were in fine form to be crowned the new champions of the 12th edition of the Madoka Half Marathon after winning both men and women races.

In the well-attended race at Ngerenyi Farmers Training Centre in Taita Taveta County, Kipkoech, 25, from Kericho Athletics Club triumphed in the men’s race after clocking 1.04.28 in one of the most competitive races while Kiprop, 34, participating as an individual emerged victorious in the women category after clocking 1.14.05.

Participating in the competition for the second time after emerging fourth in the 2015 competition, Kipkoech was confident of victory.

Joseph Koech of Keroka Athletics club emerged second in 1.04.15 while Shadrack Kiplangat participating as an individual was third after clocking 1.0438.14 in the men category.

“The race was very competitive but I was determined. I participated in the event in 2015 and this time round I was more than ready. My mission now is to focus on the oncoming competitions later this year,” Kipkoech said.

Kiprop, a first timer in the women race termed the event as one of the most competitive.

After the competition, Kiprop said her next assignment will be the Honolulu Marathon slated for December 10 in the United states.

“My next focus will be to participate in the Honolulu Marathon. I wanted to use this event to prepare myself for the competition,” Kiprop said.

The race started from the Ngerenyi farms traversing Taita hills before ending at the same venue. The event patron Major retired Marden Madoka said the competition is aimed unearthing talents in the coast region. [Ernest Ndunda]