Fresh from dominating the Athletics Kenya (AK) cross-country meeting in Bomet, Viola Chepng’eno displayed her winning form yet again, storming to victory at the World Aids Day Half Marathon held at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Chepng’eno clocked an impressive 1:10:40, leaving Jesca Chelang’at ( 1:11:10 ) and Joyce Chepkemoi ( 1:13:50 ) trailing in her wake.
Reflecting on her performance, Chepng’eno acknowledged the race’s intensity due to the strong competition.
“The race was tough because the field was really strong. We ran as a group for most of the course, but I decided to pick up the pace and go for the win,” she said.
Buoyed by her victory at the Bomet Cross Country meet the previous day, Chepng’eno overcame fatigue to triumph again.
“I was a bit tired, but my win on Saturday gave me the confidence to push through,” she added.
The Keringet Training Camp athlete, coached by Josephat Bett, clocked 37:06.68 to win the Bomet race.
With her 2024 campaign now concluded, she plans to rest and strategise for the 2025 season.
“Now, I’m going into my offseason. I’ll talk with my coach and set targets for the new year,” she noted.
Runner-up Jesca Chelangat was pleased with her performance despite narrowly missing the top spot.
“We were neck-and-neck at the 19km mark, but the slight hill drained me, and I dropped back. However, I’m grateful for the second place—it was a tough race,” Chelangat said.
Chelangat’s strong showing followed her personal best performance of 1:06:13 at the Valencia Half Marathon on October 27.
“I was confident coming into today’s race after setting a personal best in Valencia, even though I didn’t make the podium,” she reflected.
In the men’s race, Jonathan Korir clinched victory in a nail-biting finish, clocking 1:02:48 to edge out Wesley Kipkemoi ( 1:02:49 ) and Eric Kiplangat ( 1:02:52 ).
Korir was pleased with the weather but highlighted the tough nature of the course.
“The weather was favourable, and my body responded well, but the course was challenging with its hills and steep declines,” Korir said.
Korir revealed he almost faltered in the final stretch but found the strength to push through.
