Thomas Kipkemoi wins in Eldoret (© David Macharia)
Thomas Kipkemoi emerged the victor in today’s Eldoret 10K road race champion after beating 400 other competitors in a hotly contested race.
The previously unknown Kipkemoi took the command of the race after fourth kilometre and comfortably controlled the pace to the end. His time of 29:35 ensured he took home 10,000 Kenyan shillings 10,000 on offer to the winner.
Sammy Rum made a dash in the initial stages of the race but his brief lead was brought to an end by a group that included the eventual winner.
Joseph Lelei was second in 29:42.00 in a race that attracted many athletes who are at home for the off-season period. Unlike last year when the race was held in severe winds, this time round the event was run in windless conditions under sunny clear skies. The third spot went to Charles Lewis in 29:46.00 and fourth was Evans Kiprop in 29:49.
Most athletes said they were using the event to gauge their preparedness for the start of the cross country season in Kenya.
Leah Kiprop won the women’s category of the road race by clocking 34:00 to also take home a 10,000 Kenyan shillings cash prize. The second position was occupied by Priscah Kiprono in 34:37. Salome Chepchumba who initially appeared to be a threat to the eventual winner faded to third in 34:40 after losing the second position to Kiprono half way into the race.
David Macharia (Daily Nation) for the IAAF
The top ten finishers
Men
(1)Thomas Kipkemoi 29:35,
(2) Joseph Lelei 29:42
(3) Charles Lewis 29:46
(4) Evans Kiprop 29:49
(5) Elijah Kemboi 29:53
(6) Meshack Kosgei 29:58
(7) Sammy Rum 30:02
(8) Philemon Kipsang 30:03
(9) Shadrack Kemei 30:04
(10) Peter Kamais 30:09.
Women
(1) Leah Kiprop 34:00
(2) Priscah Kiprono 34:37
(3) Salome Chepchumba 34:40
(4) Mercy Cheburet 35:00
(5) Sharon Cherop 35:01
(6) Florence Chepkosgei 35:02
(7) Jackline Nyatibei 35:16
(8) Hellen Lushanya 35:23
(9) Fridah Lodepa 35:44
(10) Beatrice Rutto 36:01.