Athletics: Kemboi and Chepkoech win Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

A section of the 2022 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon participants. [Standard/photo]

Elias Kemboi and Sheila Chepkoech are the 2022 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon champions.

Kemboi stunned a field of over 1,000 runners to emerge the winner in the men's 42km after clocking 2.:10:22 ahead of Wilfred Kirwa (2:10:50) and Felix Kipkorir (2:11:08) who came in second and third, respectively, during the 19th edition of the marathon.

A woman with her child all smiles as they took part in the 19th Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kemboi, who finished eighth during last year's edition, strolled to victory after running for the majority of the remaing 8km alone, a feat that will guarantee him the Sh2m prize money award.

On the other hand, Chepkoech emerged top in the women's 42km category with a time of 2:27:04 ahead of Beatrice Cheptoo (2:28:42) and Shykine Jepkorir (2:29:36) who came second and third. In the 21km women's field, Evaline Chirchir emerged top (1:09:58) followed by Nelly Jeptoo and Edith Jepchumba.

Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta (center) was among guests who graced the 19th Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Daniel Ebenyo won in the men's category after timing 1:00:50. Isaiah Lasoi (1:01:23) and Samuel Naibei (1:01:31) closely followed to secure a podium finish. In the 10km men's category, Patrick Mosin (31:39) finished first ahead of Geoffrey Kipchumba and Bravin Kiprop as Jessica Chelangat (35-26), Beatrice Chepkoech and Rabecca Chepkwemoi finished first, second and third respectively in the women's run.

StanChart race has emerged as a take-off point for local talent to flourish, where budding athletes are nurtured and sanctified to conquer the world.