Mercy Kipchumba, Victor Kipchirchir win the Eldoret City marathon

 

3rd Edition Eldoret City Marathon 42km women champion Mercy Kipchumba crossing the finish line clocking 2:28:10 in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday 6 June 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

 

Mercy Kipchumba and Victor Kipchirchir are the winners of the third edition of the Eldoret City marathon held Sunday in Uasin Gishu County.

In Sunday’s cold, Kipchumba edged clear in a last-minute sprint to win over Judy Korir who finished second with
Janet Chelal finishing third.

Kipchumba, who won the race in 2:28:10, took control of the race in the fourth lap when she went into the lead and gained a commanding 100 metre advantage that remained unchallenged to the end.

"I did not expect to win particularly after seeing the star-studded start list. I was encouraged to participate and try to post a good time to attract international interest," Mercy Kipchumba told Standard sports.

Mercy Kipchumba (Winner): Nilianza training last year vile Corona ilianza.#EldoretCityMarathon pic.twitter.com/9HsWdQ3fTY — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) June 6, 2021

Defending champion Valary Aiyabei failed to defend her title in the race characterized by surprises.

Last Sunday, the Frankfurt marathon champion won bronze at the battle of the team’s marathon in the Czech Republic.

Reigning Eldoret City Marathon Valary Ayabei leading the women's race after 23 Kilometres [PHOTO COURTESY]

Aiyabei was the first Kenyan woman to win the Beijing Marathon since 1989.

In the men’s category, Victor Kipchirchir emerged victorious after clocking 2:08:56, with Leonard Langat (2:10:49 3) and Emmanuel Bor (2:11:10) finishing second and third respectively.

3rd Edition Eldoret City Marathon 42km champion Victor Kipchirchir crossing the finish line clocking 2:08:56 in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday 6 June 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

Kipchirchir sliced close to four minutes from Kisorio's last record of 2:12:38.

Winners of the third edition of the Eldoret City marathon will walk away with Sh3.5 million prize money.

World record marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge, congratulated the runners saying that tree planting exercise in line with the Eldoret marathon theme; “Climate Action” was to make a change in the environment and increase forest cover in the region.

“Uasin Gishu county governor, Jackson Mandago, you will be remembered by the problems you created or solutions you brought to this county. Please adopt Kapseret Forest and plant more trees in the area to increase forest cover. I would also like to congratulate all those who participated in the race,” said Eliud Kipchoge.

Women participate in 41 kilometers during Eldoret City Marathon race held in the town yesterday. Mercy Kipchumba won the race, clocking 2:28:10. {Peter Ochieng, Standard)

With Standard Group PLC being the official media partner of the Eldoret City marathon, Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu said that the partnering gave the company an opportunity to support sports in the country.

 “From the beginning when we were approached with the proposal to partner with Eldoret City Marathon, we could see its importance,” said Orlando Lyomu.

“Remember I have always said, as Standard Group we do purposely support sports and you have to remember sports is not just an activity, it is also a way of life.

““Sports is not just an activity, it is also a way of life. It can be a gainful source of income for many people. We need to support sports so that all those with talent can take it to the maximum level possible.”

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu (left), with Eldoret City Marathon Director Moses Tanui (right) and the event Chairman Andrew Chelogoi after planting a tree at Arboretum area to mark World Environment Day in Uasin Gishu County yesterday. 05.06.2021 {Peter Ochieng, Standard}

The marathon comes a day after Lyomu led at least 30 others sponsors in the tree planting exercise in line with the marathon theme; Climate Action.

“For us partnering with Eldoret City Marathon has got two dimensions; the first of course is the actual marathon side and a two, the Climate Action side of it. Remember we (Standard Group PLC) has an interest in environmental conservation,” he added.

This marathon is in support of Climate Action and that is why a lot of people were at the Arboretum (Eldoret) on Saturday to plant trees. So it fits very well with our objectives.”