Kiprop, Limo reign: Pomp and colour as upstarts stake claim on the 21km ABC Baringo Half Marathon

Josephat Kiprop crosses the finishing line to win the ABC Bank Baringo Half Marathon 21 Km race men's category at Kabarnet stadium in Baringo county  on November 1,2014.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH (L)Cynthia Jerotich Limo in action during the ABC Bank Baringo Half Marathon 21 Km women's race category on November 1,2014. Jerotich won the race clocking   1:10:06.  PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Josephat Kiprop and Cynthia Jerutich Limo emerged winners of the 21km ABC Baringo Half Marathon in a tough and grueling battle in the steep slopes of the Kareschun Forests from Kabartonjo to Kabarnet Stadium yesterday.

The winners took home the Sh300,000 each for the race, which was sponsored by ABC Bank. Kiprop timed one hour, one minute and three seconds to claim the Sh300,000 prize ahead of Ethiopian runners who failed to make the medal bracket or the top ten positions.

“It was tough all through but I have been training for the road race and I believe it did not come easily,” said the 20-year-old runner, who finished fifth last year in the same race, which is staged in the serene ascending and descending slopes of Kabarnet.

“I am now getting ready for the cross country season and the victory has inspired me,” said Kiprop, who trains in Iten.

Kiprop beat his closest rival Mark Kibiwott to the second slot in 1.02.09 with Ezra Kiprotich coming in third after taking 1.02.3 ahead of Amos Mutai in fourth place clocking 1.02.3.

Others were Kurui Chesang 1.02.39, Isaac Kipkoech 1.02.41, Dan Kitany 1.02.45, Philip Kangogo 1.02.46 and Robert Kigen 1.02.52.

women’s race

In the women’s category, Jerutich — who is coached by Francis Kamau of Nyahururu — excelled in the Half marathon distance race with a time record of one hour 10 minutes and six seconds ahead of Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Joyce Chepkurui in 1.12.05 and Mercy Cherutich 1.1205.

Others were linar Cheruto (1.12.08), Rebecca Chesir (1.12.10), Jane Moraa (1.13.20), Lucy Njoroge (1.12.23), Inis Chenogen (1.13.41), Joice Kangogo (1.13.51) and Linet Jebet (1.13.53).

The race was flagged off by Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi.

Cherutich (Cynthia) was overwhelmed with the race outcome and thanked God after crossing the finishing line first.

Beating seasoned athletes like Chenonge and Chepkirui was not an easy task. Over 2000 athletes took part in the race, which is a brain child of legendary runner Paul Tergat, who is also its patron.

The event was also attended by Athletics Kenya officials led by Isaiah Kiplagat and secretary general David Okeyo besides ABC Bank officials

In the 6km men’s race, Alfred Ngeno won in 15:00.7 ahead of Richard Kimunyan (15.03.5) and Emmanuel Kichwen (15.18.1). Norah Cheruto won the women’s 6km race in 17:21.6 ahead of Daisy Cheptanui (17.27.3).— [email protected]