BARINGO, Kenya, Nov 5- Fukuoka Half Marathon runner up Edith Chelimo (women) and Kericho’s Isaac Kipkoech (men) won the Lotto Foundation Baringo Half Marathon in Kabarnet on Saturday.
Chelimo clocked 1:11.02 to win the women’s race while Kipkoech posted 1:02.51 to win the men’s race with both winners pocketing Sh200, 000.
The race kicked off at Kabartonjo and took the athletes through sections of the cool Ossen Forests before culminating in Kabarnet town.
In the women’s race, Chelimo beat Lucy Cheruiyot to second place in 1.11.42 with Paskalia Chepkorir placing third in 1.11.55. Esther Chelang’a (1.13.04), Naomi Rotich (1.13.14) and Lydiard Orange (1.14.27) completed the top six.
“Victory came as a surprise for me because I just came to participate. This is my first victory here although I have been a regular participant and I’m happy to have won,” Chelimo said after cutting the tape.
She said she is using the event as a build up for the cross country season which is already in motion. “I dedicate my feat here to my daughter Sherry Cheptoo, who turns two in two months time,” she added.
Kipkoech, who won the Chemususu Half Marathon two months ago, beat Kurui Chesang (1.03.08) to second place with Sammy Kurui placing third in 1.03.08..
Kennedy Rimengia placed fourth in 1.03.with Hosea Mwok (1.03.37) and Luke Kibet (1.03.44) placing fifth and sixth respectively.
Philomen Cheboi (1.04.08), Samuel Naibei (1.04. 24) and Shadrack Kiplagat (1.04.28) and Barnes Koskei ( 1.04.55) completed the top 10 places.
“The victory has also inspired me after I dropped out of the Toronto Half Marathon in Canada last month,” pointed out Kipkoech.