Features

Kipkemboi, Seurey win Stanchart Marathon

Published

October 30, 2016

Robert Kipkemboi winning the men’s marathon at Standard Chartered Marathon 2016. Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 – Debutant Robert Kipkemboi and Jelagat Seurey dominated the 2016 men and women Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon that unfolded on the streets of the Kenyan capital on Sunday under warm conditions.

However, the men’s half marathon had a dramatic conclusion with John Mwangi Nyarwai nabbed cheating after joining the race half-way to claim the winner of the 21km, but he was disqualified as Reuben Limaa was awarded the winner.

In the 42km, each winner in both categories took home Sh1.5m (USD16,764.47) for clinching the honours in punishing elevation of 1,680m above sea level in the annual event that attracted 20,000 participants where 700 took on the ultimate distance.

It was a sweet victory for Kipkemboi, a second finisher at the this year’s Ndakaini Half Marathon, who cut the breast in a tight contest, stopping the clock at 2:13:27.

Mark Lokwanamoi, who is a student at Mt Kenya University finished second in 2:14:08 while Hilary Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:14:25.

In the women’s full marathon, Seurey completed the course in 2:34:18 well over a minute ahead of Recho Kosgei (2:35:11) as Rose Maru (2:37:22) finished third.

After several attempts to win local marathons, Kipkemboi and Jelagat staged brilliant performances tackling the course that was flagged off outside Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium before heading to Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata Road, Mombasa Road before turning back to finish inside the stadium via Bunyala Road.

-Kipkemboi finds kick-

42km Robert Kipkemboi in action.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

The podium finishers were part of the leading pack that ran together until 37K when they dislodged themselves from the competition before entering the stadium with minutes separating them as Kiplimo, who finished seventh at Rome Half Marathon in April finding the extra gear to kick for glory.

“The race was tough because of the warm conditions. We ran as a pack till 37km then we took off, I followed my colleague who opened a 1K gap before I pulled off to win the race today,” Kipkemboi, who was runners-up at the Family Bank Half Marathon, said.

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Kipkemboi, 27, is now aiming at competing in Singapore Half Marathon in December as he aims at climbing up to the ladder and one day become world beater.

– Seurey wins it finally-

Jelagat Seurey winning the women’s marathon.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

After dropping out last year due to injury, Seurey made sure she got it right this time though admitting facing stiff challenge.

“I’m happy for winning. I was here last year, but didn’t finish because of injury, we ran until 30K then I started monitoring my time so that I ensure I finish first. It was easy for me because I had trained well,” Jelagat, who finished second at the Sao Paulo Marathon stated.

In the men’s 21km, Limaa won in 1:02:53 ahead of Dominic Kipyegon who returned 1:03:14 as Kenneth Rotich settled third in 1:03:27.

The corresponding women’s race was domunated by Betty Lombus in 1:12:26, a minute ahead of Ruth Chepng’etich (1:14:13) while Penina Chepchumba was third in 1:15:13.

Both the 21km winners received Sh150, 000 (USD 1,677.85).