Robert Kemboi, Jane Seurey emerge winners in Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

Santos 10km Road Race champion Jane Jelagat Seurey and Changsha Marathon winner Robert Kiplimo Kemboi emerged champions in the women and men’s 42km category of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

It was the first time 27-year-Kemboi was trying his luck in the race he termed as tedious and challenging even though the course was flat.

“Today’s win has inspired me to go for the Singapore Marathon in December where I am looking forward to post good result apart from hopes of winning,” said Kemboi who trains at Kapsait camp in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

He explained he will use the Sh1.5million he won to buy a piece of land and a build a house while the rest he will use to clear school fees for his two young siblings.

Kemboi who was accompanied by his coach Erick Kimaiyo has taken part in other international races including winning Changsha marathon in China last year and finishing seventh in Rome Marathon this year.

Seurey who was second in Sao Paolo Marathon in Brazil this year said her Sunday’s win was inspired by Olympic champion Jemima Sumgong who is her training partner in Kapsabet.

“I failed to finish this race last year but I am glad I returned this year and won because of the inspiration I got from Sumgong. I hope to represent Team Kenya internationally very soon,” the 24-year- old mother of one said.

Seurey who narrated how she trained hard for three months before boarding a vehicle to Nairobi to take part in the race said she is hopeful to land a better manager who will forage for her big races abroad.

Results in summary

Women 42km race

1.Jane Jelagat Seurey                           2:34.18                        Sh1.5million

2.Recho Kosgei                                   2:35.11                        Sh650,000

3.Rose Maru                                        2:37.22                        Sh350,000

4.Shelmith Muriuki                             2:38.18                        Sh150,000

5.Emily Samoei                                   2:38.29                        Sh100,000                  

Men 42km race

1.Robert Kiplimo  Kemboi                 2:13.27                        Sh1.5million

2.Mark Lokwanamoi                           2:14.08                        Sh650,000

3.Hillary Kiplimo                                2:14.25                        Sh350,000

4.Vincent Tanui                                  2:14.37                        Sh150,000

5.Emmanuel Naibei                             2:14.40                        Sh100,000