James Kipkoech and Ugandan Viola Chemos won the inaugural Kaptagat Forest 21km Run on Saturday, July in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Kipkkoech was the surprise winner of the race after edging out Patrick Musin in the last 2km. Musin had led for the better part of the race's second half.
Competing in his home county, Kipkoech won the race in 59:55.5 with Musin second in 60:15.3. Joshua Kithuku completed the podium in 60:21.7.
In an interview, Kipkoech said he was mentally prepared for Musin, who took over the race leadership at 5km and held on to it until the last two kilometres.
“I had to apply some tactics to win this race because I was running with a big group. At the same time, Musin was leading and I had to keep it late before producing my best kick,” said Kipkoech.
In the women's race, seasoned Chemos from Uganda edged out other seasoned marathoners led by former Frankfurt Marathon champion Valery Aiyabei Jemeli to carry the day. She trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Chemos, who missed a chance to represent her country at the Olympic Games in Paris, won the race in 69:23.8 and was followed by Violah Chemoha (69:55.0) and Jemeli (69:564).
“I missed a chance to compete at the Olympics after we missed the qualifiers. However, this chance av ailed itself and I am happy I emerged victorious,” said Chemos.
RESULTS
Women's 21km
1. Violah Chemos 69:23.8
2. Violah Chemoha 69:35.0
3. Valery Aiyabei Jemeli-69:56.4
4. Christine Kioko 70:03.8
5. Vivian Kosgei 70:29.4
6. Vivian Chebii 70:35.9
7. Janet Kiptoo 70:47.1
8. Milicent Chelimo 70:48.9
9. Aurelia Kiptoo 70:54.9
10. Caroline Chepchirchir 70:56.1
Men's 21km
1. James Kipkoech 59:55.5
2. Patrick Musin 60:15.3
3. Joshua Kithuku 60:21.7
4. Hillary Koech 60:48.6
5. Bernard Langat 60:52.3
6. Nehemiah Kipyegon 61:02.0
7. Gideon Kiprop 61:02.7
8. Francis Cheruiyot-61:03.5
9. Gideon Krop 61:06.5
10. Timothy Kibet 61:12.6
Women's 10km
1. Christine Chesire 31:17.4
2. Christine Nalimo-31:33.4
3. Maureen Toroitich-31:42.4
4. Abigail Jepkoech-31:54.8
5. Milicent Kemboi 32:18.5
6. Brenda Kemboi 32:27.6
7. Vivian Melly 32:34.2
8. Mona Chepkoech 32:42.8
9. Viola Kosgei 32:42.8
10. Nancy Jepleting 33:00.2
Men's 10km
1. Vincent Lagat- 27:39.3
2. Gideon Kipngetich-27:54.3
3. Kipkandie Mukulia-27:55.7
4. Alex Nzioka-28:00.6
5. Felix Kibet Masai-28:01.3
6. Victor Kipruto-28:04.1
7. George Kiptum-28:12.5
8. Dennis Kororia- 28:16.8
9. Titus Kiprotich-28:18.3
10. Vincent Kimaiyo-28:25.3