Amos Kiplagat and Marion Kibor were crowned the winners of Kapsabet Half Marathon 21km road race held in Nandi County on Sunday.
Kiplagat who trains in Nandi ran a brilliant race from behind before increasing the pace in the last three kilometers to win in a time of 62:47.7in the men category followed by Robert Keter from Elgeyo Marakwet who timed 63:04.6 and third position went to Joshua Kimutai Elgeyo Marakwet
Speaking after winning the race, Kiplagat who has never competed in any marathon race said he was happy to have emerged the winner adding that he will now concentrate working hard to ensure he wins future races.
“I am so happy with the results. It is a good preparation ground for future races,” he said
Keter who came in second place said the race was tough but he enjoyed the course.
“I thank God for the second position and l believe next time things will work out better. Being my first race, l have gained a lot of experience.
In the women’s category, Kibor who hails from Nandi broke the tape in winning the race with a time of 71:34.56 followed by Gladys Singor from Baringo who timed 73:29.31while Joan Chepkosgei sealed the podium positions with74.08.93
“I am so glad to have emerged a winner today and that gives me more reasons to continue working hard. I believe this win will open new avenues for me,” she said
In the 10km men category race, Daniel Kinyanjui from Nakuru secured the first place in a time of 27:24.79, second position went to Roncer Konga from Baringo and Dismas Lokira from West Pokot took the third.
In the women category, Pamela Kosgei from Elgeyo Marakwet took the first position with a time of 31:19.31, followed by Millicent Kemboi and third position went to Emmy Jepkemoi both from Elgeyo Marakwet.
Nandi governor Stephen Sang said “Today is a historic day as we inaugurate the first ever Kapsabet half marathon, a celebration of athleticism, community and resilience in the athletic real. We are steadfast in our dedication to our athletes, promising to continue our relentless efforts in providing them with the necessary support and resources,”
Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) in partnership with Kenya Tourism Board and Athletics Kenya were the main sponsors of the race whose aim is to support and nurture upcoming athletes and give them a chance to showcase their talent.
With a theme, ‘Run green, run clean’, the race whose start point was at Nandi Bears club in Nandi hills and ended in Kipchoge Keino complex in Kapsabet town is a celebration of the boundless talents in Athletics and also an opportunity for the church to mentor athletes and educate them on the importance of winning clean without using body enhancement drugs.
CITAM Bishop David Oginde said Kapsabet is known for producing many champions but they have not had any marathon run that is why the church thought it will be a good idea for them to sponsor this first marathon so that it can bring together many champions across the Country.
“This is one way of tapping talents at grass root level and encouraging our young people to follow their roots and not to involve in practices that are not acceptable in the society.
Oginde who is also the chairperson of EACC called upon athletes to stop taking shortcuts in life adding that corruption cannot build a nation instead it destroys it.
“This idea of taking shortcuts in life so that you can reach a place you want can only destroy you. We encourage men and women when given an opportunity to serve the public, just do your work diligently, serve your people faithfully and God will reward you,” he said
The winners received Sh250,000 while second and third place finishers pocketed Sh150,000 and Sh 100,000 respectively.
By Linet Wafula
