Benjamin Kipchumba Kemboi winning the Nairobi Marathon (© Omulo Okoth)
Benjamin Kipchumba Kemboi braved chilly morning weather to win the Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon men’s race in 2:11:50 on Sunday.
Kemboi's only known international performance was a fourth place during the World Military Games in Catania, Italy, last year.
Festus Kioko was second in 2:14:08 while Peter Ndegwa finished in third position in 2:14:35. Like their women counterparts, Kemboi and Kioko pocketed Sh1 million ($12,500) and Sh600,000 ($7,500) respectively.
The two athletes also shared Sh250,000 ($3,125) as bonus after running inside the set time of 2:14:40. Ndegwa received Sh300,000 ($3750) for his third place. Cleophas Rop was fourth in 2:15.08, while Wesley Ngetich Kimutai was fifth, timed in 2:15:15.
Little-known Chimokil Chilapong overshadowed big names to emerge the winner in the women’s 42km race.
The mother of four beat among others three-time London marathon champion, Joyce Chepchumba and former Paris marathon champion, Beatrice Omwanza.
Chilapong, running in her first ever marathon, won the race in 2:39:09.
Chepchumba was second in 2:39:27 with Delilah Asiago finishing third in 2:45.16. Jane Kariuki finished fourth in 2:46:20, ahead of Omwanza, who placed fifth in 2:49:42. Like their male counterparts, the victory saw Chilapong pocket a cool Sh1million as second-placed Chepchumba bagged Sh600,000.
The two also shared equally a bonus of Sh250,000 after running inside the set time of 2:41:27. Asiago received Sh300,000.
Chilapong said she has been training in Kapsangar in West Pokot. She said her first child is 12 years while the last is four. She said her victory has surprised her and added that she will train more and run in major events.
Chepchumba said she was happy with the results considering that she took part in the Chicago marathon two weeks ago where she finished fourth.
“I can’t believe this. I just ran in Chicago two weeks ago and I am still recovering. I am surprised with the results,” she said.
Chepchumba said the first half of the marathon was very difficult. She promised to return next year and called on the elite runners to emulate her.
Evans Kiprop clocked 1:04:21 to win the men’s 21km half marathon title while Philemon Kipsang was second in 1:04:28. Karioki Njoroge took the third spot in 1:04:36. The first foreigner in the 42km race was Faustin Sakstay of Tanzania, who was placed 26th in 2:20:59. Jeptoo Ritawoo took the women’s half marathon title after clocking 1:16:24.
Masila Ndunge was second in 1:16:57 while Syombua Mukunzi was third in 1:17:51.
The World 5000m silver medallist, Isabella Ochichi took the women’s 10km race in 35:48. Hellen Chelagat and Ruth Mutia came second and third in 35:52 and 35:54 respectively.
Thomas Loriongasiwa was the winner in the men’s 10km category after covering the distance in 30:38. He was followed by David Kilel (30:45) in second place and Edwin Cheruiyot (30:46) was third.
Gabriel Ouma won the wheelchair category with Dennis Muga coming in second.
Tom Mboya was third.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
