The 2009 Gothenburg half marathon winner Sammy Kirui came out of a six-year injury period to win the ninth edition of Family Bank Half Marathon yesterday in Eldoret.
Kirui braved the light morning showers to come home tops in a time of 62:41 minutes. Geoffrey Kipyego finished second in 63:07 while Robert Kipkorir sealed the podium in 63:26. Kipyego led for the better part of the race before Kirui overtook him at the 16km mark. The heavy winds and light showers slowed the pace as Kirui took commanded of the remaining 5km to be crowned the new champion. Kirui, who trains at Strowbag in Kaptagat, said the last thing on his mind was to win the race. "I got injured in 2009 after setting my personal best of 61:10 in Gothenburg Half Marathon and my aim today was to have fun and test my recovery. I tried running early this year at Discovery Half Marathon but placed 28th," he said.
He said after running with the leading pack for a while, he discovered he was stronger and capitalised on the situation. "My opponent Kipyego slowed down the pace at the 16-km mark and I overtook him. I then increased the pace to the tape," he added.
Barnabas Kosgei finished fourth in 63:27 while Amos Kiplagat (63:36), Elkana Arusei (63;37), Willy Lukanyu (63:42)Kurui Chesang (63:49), Douglas Kimeli (63:59) and Philip Kiprono (n 64:05) closed the top ten places in that order.
In the women's category, little known Caroline Chepchirchir cut the tape in 74:01 minutes, edging out Betty Lembus to second place in 74:03. Sophy Jepchirchir was third in 74:20. There was, however, confusion in timing with the unofficial results suggesting that the top six had run under the world record 1:05:09 held by Florence Kiplagat. The anomaly was, however, rectified with the official times being released.
Others in the top ten were Rose Jepchumba (74:34), Peris Cherono (74:43), Janet Masai (75:03), Agnes Jepkosgei (75:24), Silvia Kibiego (75:30), Sheilah Cherotich (75:33) and Ruth Matebo (75:35) in that order. chepchirchir, who placed second at Chemususu Half Marathon, said she was preparing for the Nairobi Stanchart Half Marathon. "I am very delighted with the victory today and it has motivated me for the next assignment," she said.
