Kipchumba, Abu Dhabi marathon champ Vivian triumph in Tobong’u Lore half race

Upcoming athlete Geoffrey Kipchumba and Abu Dhabi marathon champion Vivian Kiplagat are the winners of this year’s Tobong’u Lore half marathon held in Lodwar yesterday.

Kipchumba, who started the race on a slow pace surprised fans when he sprinted to be crowned winner of the sixth edition of the annual Tourism and Cultural Festivals. The race was flagged off by area governor Josphat Nanok who was accompanied by several dignitaries from Uganda and other neighbouring counties.

Staged under scorching temperatures of the pastoral Turkana county, athletes lined up at Chinese camp from where they were flagged off at 7am along Kakuma-Lodwar road to the finish point at Ekalees centre.

Kipchumba crossed the finish line after clocking 1: 01.4 beating his closest rival John Ewoi who returned second in 1:02.2.

Speaking after successfully beating senior and upcoming athletes, Kipchumba said he was well prepared for the race and was confident of the win.

“I thank God for giving me this glory, it was not an easy task, I really trained for it but most importantly, I have made it. I urge youths from Turkana to take part in athletics competitions,” said Kipchumba.

[Peter Ochieng]

Kiplagat, who also recently won 2021 Stanbic half marathon in Nakuru said she was preparing to take part in other major races.

“I am very happy for the win here in Turkana, with the hottest weather. It was most challenging because most of us train in cold and moderate weather conditions,” she said.

Governor Nanok praised AK officials for allowing his county to host the event.

He thanked participants from the various counties and also urged AK to organise more championships in Turkana saying there is untapped talent in the region.

“This cultural event is not only for Turkana but for all communities living here,” he added.

Selected results include 21km men; Thomas Kutere 1:2.2, Meshack Lagat 1:2.025, Collin Chebei 1:2.6 and Ezra Tanui 1:0.02.

Other are Festa Cheboi 1:2.06, Josphat Kiprotich 1:3.22, Enock Kales 1:3.03 and Paul Yanai 1:3.4.

In ladies, Catherine Veritine 1:10.4, Gloria Chepkenui 1:10.6, Joan Kipyatich 1:21.2 and Shaline Toroitich 1:12.2.

Lidiah Njeri 1:12.2, Nancy Chebet 1:12.5, Beatrice Cheburet 1:13.1 and Lidia Simiyu 1:14.1.

In 10km men, Francis Ebei won in 30:55.91, Isaac Kalale 31:38.32.

In ladies 10 km, Martha Akono clocked 32:15.46, Sharon Akai 36:46.67 and Rebecca Nakuwa 37:28.14.

The event was also graced by AK North Rift Public Relation Officer Boniface Serem among others.