Luke Kiprop has revealed how he ran on borrowed shoes to win the second edition of Iten International Marathon held in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county on Sunday.
The 20-year-old, who has been a herder at Erick Kogo’s home for the past five years, said he turned to training mate Daniel Simiu — the world 10,000m bronze medalist — for a pair of shoes after making a late decision to make his marathon debut.
Kiprop said he never trained for the race and was counting on his usual workouts, eager to try his luck.
“This is my first race and I wanted to run well, which bore fruits,” said Kiprop.
His coach Kogo revealed how he rescued the boy by giving his some domestic tasks like herding his goats and sheep, only to realise that he had a talent in athletics that needed to be harnessed.
“I first introduced him to pacing for the women runners during training and in some local competitions but I realised that he is good. Three days ago, he told me that he wanted to compete in this race and I gave him a Sh1000 to register. His determination and focus has handed him millions,” said Kogo, who also trains Simiu.
He observed that it's just a matter of time before Kiprop heads for the international races.
“Recently, I worked hard to get him a national identity card and my next move is to search for a passport because he has great potential in running,” he said.
“Simiu used shoes to win a silver medal at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia as well as the New Delhi Half Marathon, and today, I used the same pair to win the Iten Marathon. This is a blessing."
Kiprop won the men’s race in 2:13:19 followed by Charles Kimeli (2:14:26) as Edwin Yator completed the podium places in 2:14:45.
Naomi Chepkorir won the women's race in 2:32:36 ahead of Linah Kaino (2:34:27) and Caroline Kimosop at 2:36:36.
Chepkorir, who wants to feature at the world cross country championships, expressed her joy at winning her first race of the year.
“My focus is on the world cross country since I don't have the qualifying time for the marathon for consideration for 2024 Olympic Games,” said Chepkorir.
Miriam Chebet and former Africa junior 5,000m bronze medalist Reuben Longosiwa were the 10km winners.
Longosiwa won the men’s title in 28:32 ahead of Nelson Langat (28:44) and Johana Erot completing the podium in 28:46.
Chebet clocked 32:53, beating Christine Chesire to second (33:09) and Belinda Chemutai (33:18) to the title.
Top finishers
Women's 10km
Miriam Chebet- 32:53
Christine Chesire- 33:09
Belinda Chemutai- 33:18
Vivian Melly- 33:27
Brenda Tuwei- 33;35
Selah Jepleting- 33:39
Edna Kibiwott- 33:45
Dorcas Kimeli-34:07
Christine Kiyogo- 34:16
Sylvia Chelelgo- 34:21
Men 10k
Reuben Longosiwa- 28:32
Nelson Langat- 28:44
Johanna Erot- 28:46
James Kipkoech- 28:55
Amos Kipkurui- 29:03
Bravin Kiprop- 29:07
Patrick Kipkurui- 29;09
Nahashon Cheruiyto- 29:10
Timothy Kibet- 29:11
Gideon Kiprotich- 29:12
42km women
Naomi Chepkorir- 2:32:36
Linah Kaino- 2:34:27
Caroline Kimosop- 2:36:36
Sophia Chesir- 2:37.03
Sharon Kosgei-2:38.20
Joy Kemuma- 2:38.34
Rael Kimaiyo- 2:39.36
Sheila Kipkemei- 2:41.52
Winnie Chepkosgei- 2:41.55
Mercy Kipchumba- 2:42.23
Men 42km
Luke Kiprop- 2:13:19
Cahrles Kimeli- 2:14:26
Edwin Yator- 2:14:45
Richard Rutto- 2:14:54
Kiprop Kimutai- 2:15:02
Peter Kosgei- 2:15:34
Reuben Navii- 2:15:50
Alfred Kipyego- 2:16:10
Duncan Kiptum- 2:16:14
Henry Kosgei- 2:16:21