Nairobi Marathon: Kiprop, Chepkoech win Stanchart

Mathew Kiprotich winner of 21KM race during the 15th Edition of the Nairobi Standard Chartered marathon on Sunday Oct 28, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Elisha Kiprop won the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon crown in 2:14.00 as Josephine Chepkoech took the women’s title, returning home in 2:33:11 on Sunday.

Kiprop went through the first 12km in a modest time of 35minutes, 19 seconds before the leading group cranked up the pace to reach 36km in 1:50:03.

Eldoret-based Kiprop broke away at 35km to win the race to end the disappointment of three previous attempts.

Julius Kiprono who clocked 2:15.01 to finish second while Patrick Cheruiyot dipped 2:15:09 in third place. In 2010 and 2011 Kiprop finished the event in fifth places before improving to second slot in 2014. “I happy to finally win the race. This was my fourth appearance and I’m glad I have finally won the race. The weather was perfect, unlike the last time I raced here.”

In the women’s battle, Chepkoech, racing in her first full marathon floored Cynthia Jerop and Joy Kemuma to emerge victorious in 2:33:11.

 The three ran side-by-side by half way, clocking a split of 1:29:19, but they were not together for much longer as Chepkoech peeled away. Jerop finished second in 2:34:12 with Kemuma (2:34:53) coming in third.

 “I am very happy to win my first full marathon, I had been running 10km road race before making decision to attempt 42km, I’m satisfied with my effort today,” said Chepkoech.

Half Marathon competitors make a U-Turn a long Haileselasie round-about during the 15th Edition of the Nairobi Standard Chartered marathon on Sunday Oct 28, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The half marathon title went to Mathew Kiprotich who was followed by Paul Kibet and James Kipsang.

Iten-based Kiprotich timed 1:04:57 while Kibet 1:05:25 in second place, Kipsang crossed the line in 1:05.33.

In the corresponding women 21km race, defending champion Valery Aiyebei lived up to expectations as the favourite coming into the race, and the Iten-based athlete sealed the top slot after devastating drive.

Aiyebei (1:12:06) was followed by Irene Kimais (1:13.40) with Sylvia Kibet (1:14:09) closing the podium finish.

 In the 10km race, Josphat Kiprotich (27minutes and 16 seconds) won the race as  Shadrack Korir finished second in 27minutes and 17seconds. Steeplechase specialist Jairus Birech who was using the race to prepare for the new season was third in 27minutes and 22seconds.

Prize money

Marathon (42km)

First Sh1.5 million

Second Sh650,000

Third Sh350,000

Half-marathon (21Km)

First Sh200,000

Second Sh150,000

Third Sh100,000.

10km winner

First       Sh110,000

Second Sh60,000

Third      Sh30,000

Selected Results

Marathon (42km)

Men

Elisha Kiprop               2:14:19

Julius Kiprono              2:15:01

Patrick Cheruiyot                    2:15:09

Mathew Kemboi                     2:15:43

David Kipkoech                       2:15:47

Women

Josephine Chepkoech              2:33:11

Cynthia Jerop                          2:34:12

Joy kemuma                            2:34:54

Rholex Jelimo                          2:39:38

Lucy lesempe                          2:41:54

Half-Marathon (21km)

Men

Mathew Kiprotich                   1:04.57

Paul Kibet                                1:05:25

James kiplagat                        1:05:33

Isaack Kipkemboi                    1:05:38

Kenneth Cheserek                   1:05:53

Women

Valary Aiyebei                         1:12:06

Irene Kimais                1:13:40

Sylvia Kibet                              1:14:09

Caroline Korir             1:16:28

Emmy Chebet             1:16:49

10km

Men

Josephat Kiprotich                   00:27:16

Shadrock Korir                        00:27:17

Jairus Birech               00:27:22

Victor Mutai                00:27:28

Mike Sang                               00:27:55

10km

Women

Ruth Chepngetich                   00:30:21

Edinah Mutahi                        00:31:18

Catherine Syokau                    00:31:40

Isgah Cheruto              00:32:19

Betty Chepkorir                       00:32:38