Kipkoech, Jebet shine at Kapsowar Charity and conservation race

Reigning Madrid 10km champion Hillary Kipkoech and road-race specialist Naomi Jebet were the winners of the third edition of Moi Girls’ Kapsowar Charity and Conservation 10km road race held on Saturday in Kapsowar, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Kipkoech, who wants to feature in the national team for the world championships in Budapest, Hungary, won the men’s title in 28:32.3.

He relegated James Koech to second in 28:36.9 and Mathew Kimeli came third after clocking 28:415.

Kapkoech finished second at the just-concluded Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) track and field championships in 10,000m.

Kipkoech said that he was using the race as part of his training ahead of the national championships that will be held in two weeks' time at the Kasarani stadium.

“This race was tough but the victory came in handy as a consolation. My intention is to run well and represent this country in major events, especially at the World Championships in Budapest,” Kipckoech, the Castelone 10km champion said.

In a tough battle to the finish line, Jebet edged out defending champion Purity Komen Chemutai and Catherine Reline for the title.

Jebet sprinted in the last 500m to carry the title in 31:55 ahead of Reline, who on Friday competed at the Athletics Kenya North Rift championships in 32:09 and Komen completed the podium at 32:33.

“The race was tough, especially in hilly places but I had to tackle it well to secure this win. It felt good facing quality opposition,” Jebet added.

Less than 24 hours after winning the North Rift 3,000m steeplechase title, world cross country junior bronze medalist Pamela Kosgei recorded her second victory after winning 5km junior women.

Kosgei, the young sister to the world marathon record holder  Brigid Kosgei, won the title in 16:29.22.

Dorcas Jeptoo come second in 17:18.80 and Faith Kimutai completed the podium in 17:49.40.

Selected results

Men 10km

1. Hillary Koech- 28:32.3
2. James Koech- 28:36.9
3. Mathew Kimeli-28:41.5
4. Gideon Kiprotich-28:45.5
5. Jackson Kipleting-28:56.6
6. Ayub Kiptoo-29:00.6

Women 10km

1. Naomi Jebet- 31:55
2. Catherine Reline- 32:09
3. Purity Chemutai Komen- 32:33
4. Brenda Tuwei-32:40
5. Emily Chepkemoi-32:56
6. Sharon Chelimo- 33:03

5km women

1. Pamela Kosgei-16:29.22
2. Dorcas Jeptoo-17:18.80
3. Faith Kimutai-17:49.40
4. Dorcas Jeptekenyi-18:01.86
5. Winnie Kemboi-18:06.57
6. Immaculate Chepchumba-18:19.08

5km men

1. Simon Muluwa-14:0593
2. Laban Kiptoo-14:12.75
3. Walter Koros-14:34.32
4. Lenas Kiptoo-14:35.14
5. Fanuel Maiyo-14:44.43
6. Isaac Koech-14:45.00