Luke Kiprop clocked 2hours 13 minutes 19 seconds to win the second edition of the Iten International Marathon held in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Sunday.
Kiprop fnished ahead of Charles Kimeli who recorded a time of 2hrs 14 min 26 sec to emerge second while Edwin Yator was a distant third completing the marathon in 2 hrs 14 min 58 sec.
In the women’s category, Naomi Chepkorir was named the overall winner after finishing the race in 2 hrs 32 min and 36 sec while Lina Kaino recorded 2 hr 34 min 27 sec to finish second. Caroline Kimosop was third finishing in 2 hrs 36 min 36 sec.
Speaking after the win, Kiprop’s Coach Erick Kogo said: “I am very proud of Kiprop for braving the cold and for winning his maiden marathon after beating all the odds. He stays with me at home, and I have been training him since he joined us back in 2020. His talent is unmatched, and his future is bright because he is in safe hands.”
In the 10km men’s race, Reuben Longosiwa triumphed after clocking 28 min and 32 sec to scoop the first position beating Weldon Langat who registered 28 min and 44 sec. Johana Erot settled for the third position finishing in 28 minutes and 46 seconds.
The event, powered by KCB saw Miriam Chebet clock 32 min 53 sec to claim the 10 km women’s race as Christine Chesire emerged second hitting 33 min and 9 sec while Belinda Chemutai recorded 33 min and 18 sec.
“The misty early morning and the tough course made it difficult for us, but it was a good outing against some of the best athletes from within this region. I believe after today’s win; I have gained the confidence to take on other competitors in races to come,” reckoned Naomi Chepkorir.
This year’s edition was graced by CS Roads and Transport Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, CS Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Governors Wesley Rotich, Jonathan Bii, Stephen Sang, Benjamin Cheboi of Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Baringo Counties respectively among other leaders and government officials.
The marathon had a thematic approach geared toward the promotion of climate-smart resilient practices to foster economic growth, enhance food security and environment conservation in line with the national government’s climate action practices.