Debutants Magut, Jerotich dazzle at Nairobi City Marathon

Eliud Magut and Cynthia Jerotich made stunning debuts at the Nairobi City Marathon, claiming the men's and women's 42km titles respectively on Sunday.

Magut clocked 2:09:47 to win the men's race, edging out Josphat Bett (2:10:01) and Emmanuel Sikuku (2:10:05).

Jerotich dominated the women’s race to win 2:15:19, trailed by Lilian Jepkorir (2:28:29) and Peris Jerono (2:30:43).

Magut, 38, credited his triumph to rigorous training under coach Nicholas Chemgos in Kaptagat. 

“I’ve been preparing all year. My last race was in December, so I had ample time to train for today's race,” he said.

Thrilled by his debut victory, Magut added: “This was my first time running in Nairobi and I’m glad to have come out on top.”

"I will go back and start preparing for next year," he said.

Magut will pocket Sh3.5 million for his win, money he promised to put to good use.

"I will plan well for this money I have won today. I want it to have long-term benefits for me and my family," he added.

Bett, the 2014 Africa Championships bronze medallist, exceeded his own expectations, with a second-place finish.

"The race was good. The weather was a bit of a challenge but I pushed through. My target was to make the top 10 because the Nairobi Marathon is not easy. I am glad I finished second," Bett said.

He hopes to participate in more races before the season ends.

"I will talk to my management and see if there are any races I can participate in this year," he said.

35-year-old Jerotich was not expecting to emerge victorious despite having prepared sufficiently.

"I had prepared well for this race. I was confident but didn't expect to emerge victorious. I thank God for enabling me to secure this win," Jerotich said.

Jerotich, who trains in Iten, is optimistic about returning to the Kenyan capital and defending her crown next year.

"God willing, I will return next year and defend my title."

She now shifts focus to the Honolulu Marathon on December 8.

"I am going back home to rest and prepare for the Honolulu Marathon in December," she said.

She hopes to improve her speed before taking on the race in Hawaii.

"I will focus more on speed and hill work to ensure I am in top form in Honolulu," she noted.

Jerotich plans to build a house with her earnings and invest in business ventures. 

"I will use the money to build a home and invest it in some other business," she said.

Robert Kiprop sealed the half marathon title in 1:00:56 ahead of Wilson Too (1:01:14) and Timothy Kibet (1:01:25).

Marion Kibor won the women's event in 1:08:55 ahead of Gladys Chepkurui (1:09:04) and Sharon Kiptugen (1:01:27).

Kibor highlighted the competitiveness of the race.

"Today's race was not easy since we had a lot of elite athletes but I am glad I won," she said.

Kibor, who won the Stockholm Marathon in June, said both races were crucial for her build-up to the Amsterdam Marathon on October 20.

"I competed at the Stockholm Marathon in June and won and now I have won the Nairobi Half Marathon. These two races are crucial for my build-up for the Amsterdam Marathon."

Kiprop said: "I was coming to try my luck and am glad I was successful. The course is good.

Winners pocketed Sh150,000, trickling to Sh80,000 and Sh50,000 for the second and third-placed runners respectively.

Amos Kipkemoi (29:04) led athletes to the podium in the men’s 10km podium in 29:04 ahead of Filex Kibet (29:13) and Gideon Kipngetich (29:16).

Edinah Kibiwott (33:25) took the women’s title ahead of Fridah Ndinda (34:12) and Naomi Tigoi (34:22).

Kenya Pipeline Managing Director Joe Sang, who completed the 10km race, used the event as preparation for his full marathon debut in Chicago on October 13.

"I am delighted to have participated today. I ran 1hr 31 minutes, this is my best-ever run," Sang said.

He will run in Chicago on a fundraising mission, hoping to get support to cater for underprivileged children in society.

"I will be doing my first major full marathon at the Chicago Marathon. I am running to try and support the underprivileged children in the society."

"We are setting up a Joe Sang foundation that will have a fund to cater for the needy in our society," he said.

Cash prize for the 10km run was Sh100,000 for the winner with the runners-up and third-place finishers taking home Sh60,000 and Sh40,000 respectively.

Men 42km 

Eliud Magut - 2:09:47

Josphat Bett - 2:10:01

Emmanuel Sikuku - 2:10:05

Byegon Kiprono - 2:10:06

Kelvin Kipchoge - 2:10:24

Peter Kosgei - 2:10:39

Women 42km

Cynthia Jerotich - 2:28:02

Lilian Jepkorir - 2:28:29

Peris Jerono - 2:30:43

Gladys Jeruto - 2:30:59

Zeddy Jerop - 2:31:11

Hellen Chepkorir - 2:32:09

Men 21km

Robert Kiprop - 1:00:56

Wilson Too - 1:01:14

Timothy Kibet - 1:01:25

Jonathan Korir - 1:01:39

Felix Rotich - 1:01:44

Gilbert korir - 1:01:45

Women 21km 

Marion Kibor - 1:08:55

Gladys Chepkurui - 1:09:04

Sharon Kiptugen - 1:09:27

Veronica Nyaruai - 1:10:33

Millicent Jelimo - 1:10:56

Vivian Kosgei - 1:11:06