Robert Kipkemboi, Naom Jebet crowned Nairobi City Marathon winners

Robert Kipkemboi crosses the line to win the men’s 42KM race during the Nairobi City Marathon at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday July 02, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Robert Kiplimo Kipkemboi and Naom Jebet are the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon champions after conquering Sunday's race in a time of 2:07:38 and 2:24:33 respectively.

Naom Chebet celebrates crossing the line to win the women's 42KM Nairobi City Marathon at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday July 02, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The early morning race along the Nairobi Expressway on Sunday, July 2, also saw Charles Mneria finish second in 2:08:04.

Sharon Chelimo clocked 2:25:20 to emerge second position in women’s race, while Judith Jerubet finished third in 2:27:01.

Participants of the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon in action along Nairobi Expressway on Sunday, July 02, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

"I am happy with my victory. I was supposed to compete at the Stockholm Marathon last month, but my visa was delayed. Registering for the Nairobi City Marathon has rewarded me greatly," said Kipkemboi.

Kipkemboi, 33, revealed that he trains individually in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County.

Jebet said,"I am very happy for today's victory. The other ladies had pushed the pace, but when they slowed down, I decided to try my luck, and they couldn't react. That's how I managed to win. It's good motivation for me to continue training hard."

Participants of the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon in action at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, July 02, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Maxwell Rotich from Uganda won the 21km race clocking 1:00:10 against Vincent Kipkorir who took second position, while   Kennedy Kimutai took position three at 1:01:22.

Rotich said, "The race was good even though it was my first time here. I have been training in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, and I wanted to see how I would perform. I haven't competed in the 21km since 2019."

Participants of the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon in action at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, July 02, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gladys Chepkurui won the women's division in the 21km race with a time of 1:09:06. Susan Arisimi finished second in 1:10:05, while Nancy Chepleting was third in 1:10:17.

"I'm glad to have won the 21km race. This is an upgrade from last year when I won the 10km race. I have been training well in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. I knew the race would be competitive, but I had prepared well,” said Chepkurui.