Running in hot and humid conditions, pre-race favourites Luke Kibet and Lornah Kiplagat took commanding victories at the 7th running of the GLO Lagos International Half Marathon on Saturday (21).

Kibet, the reigning World Marathon champion, clocked 1:07:49, more than a minute ahead of runner-up Tsegaye Kebede (1:08:52) of Ethiopia. Dutchwoman Kiplagat, a three-time World Half-Marathon and Road Running champion, beat the conditions with a 1:16:23 performance, more than three minutes clear of her cousin Hilda Kibet, who reached the line in 1:19:27. Both winners received the top prize of US$ 50,000.

In the men's race, kenyan Nixon Kiprono finished third in 1:09:14, ahead of Dieudonne Disi of Rwanda 1:10:14, with Kenyan Festus Langat fifth in 1:10:41.

The battle for third in the women's race was a little closer, with Jane Gakonyi of Kenya out-kicking Ugandan Agnes Nyasiki, 1:20:06 to 1:20:25. Kenyan Irene Kipchumba was fifth in 1:21:05.

Ulf Saletti for the IAAF