Peris Jepchirchir, Stephen Kibet win Valencia Half Marathon titles
Kenyan Stephen Kibet crosses the finish line to win the 20th half-marathon on March 4, 2012 in Paris. PHOTO | JACQUES DEMARTHON |
What you need to know:
- Jepchirchir, fresh from winning Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret, won the women’s race in a new course record of 1hour, 07:09min.
- Viola Jepchumba was second in women’s race in a time of 1:08:22, while Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo, who also trains with the two athletes in Kapasabet, took the third position with a time of 1:09:35.
- In the men’s category, Stephen Kibet led from the start and run under one hour to clock 59:27 for victory, follwed by Mustafa El Aziz who clocked 59:29. Kenya’s Edwin Kipsang Rotich settled for the third position in 59:32.
The IAAF World Half Marathon champion Peris Jepchirchir and Stephen Kibet Sunday won women and men’s titles in the Valencia Half Marathon in Spain.
Jepchirchir, fresh from winning Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret, won the women’s race in a new course record of 1hour, 07:09min.
Viola Jepchumba was second in women’s race in a time of 1:08:22, while Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo, who also trains with the two athletes in Kapasabet, took the third position with a time of 1:09:35. According to Jepchirchir, she ran her race and she knew Jepchumba was fast in the first 10 kilometers and she could take control of the race after that.
“I ran behind Jepchumba who looked strong but I knew she was fast in the first 10km. I took charge after she started slowing down and eventually won,” Jepchirchir told Daily Nation Sport on phone.
Jepchirchir is not yet done yet this year as she has set her sights on winning next month’s New Delhi Half Marathon in India. “I will continue with my training and I’m looking forward to winning New Delhi Half Marathon next month before ending my season,” she added.
In the men’s category, Stephen Kibet led from the start and run under one hour to clock 59:27 for victory, follwed by Mustafa El Aziz who clocked 59:29. Kenya’s Edwin Kipsang Rotich settled for the third position in 59:32.
