Ng'eno and Meringor triumph at Chemususu

Bernard Ng'eno and newcomer Derivine Meringor are the champions of the fifth edition of Chemususu Dam Half Marathon that took place in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County on Saturday morning.

Kaptagat Forest Half Marathon winner Cynthia Jerop and Kabarak 10km champion Vincent Kiprotich were crowned the champions in 10km race.

Bomet-based Ng'eno attributed his first win since 2015 to his good training on hilly courses which helped him clinch the prize.

"I really wanted to win the race and I had to train hard on the hills for good results. I have been competing and doing well outside the country and I also wanted to do well at home and it bore fruits," said the athlete who finished sixth in Kisii Half Marathon last month.

The athlete, who is preparing for Valencia Half Marathon, ran a brilliant race before cutting the tape in 62:50.

"I was using the race as part of my training as I prepare for Valencia Half Marathon where I'll be eyeing to be in the podium as a winner," said Ng'eno.

Home grown runner Philip Langat finished second after clocking 63:52 while Kibet completed the podium after running in 63:53.

Meringor, who hails from West Pokot, won the women's race showing little respect to elites like former Berlin marathon champion Valentine Kipketer and former world half marathon bronze medallist Paskalia Jepkorir to win the title in 73:21.

"It was a tough race but I had prepared well since I knew it was going to be tough. I like the course and definitely I'll be back next year for the same race," said Meringor.

Experienced Paskalia Jepkorir came in second position after clocking 74:03 while Lydia Njeri sealed the podium three in 74:23.

On her part Kipketer said she was using the race as part of her preparation for one of the city marathons next month.

"I came here to participate in the race as part of training. I will be competing in one of the marathons which I'm yet to know and I wanted to gauge my performance ahead of the race next month," said Kipketer who was in sixth position.

Jerop, who won the 10km race after clocking 34:35.79, said it's part of her preparation for the Standard Chartered Marathon next month in Nairobi.

Kiprotich a form four student at Kimwogo High School beat a host of athletes to win in 30:26.81.

The athlete who is focusing on Berlin 10km next month, the reigning National Secondary School 5,000m and Cross Country said he managed to win because of his training system and he will be eyeing top prize in Berlin.

Selected results

21km Men 

1. Bernard Ng'eno-62:50

2. Philip Langat-63:52

3. Alex Kibet -63:53

4. Festus Cheboi-64:41

5. Jackson Kemboi-64:49

6. Vincent Kiplagat-65:13

21km Women

1. Derivine Meringor-73:21

2. Paskalia Jepkorir-74:03

3. Lydia Njeri-74:23

4. Josephine Jepkoech -75:03

5. Ruth Jebitok -75:08

6. Valentine Kipketer-75:30

10km Women

1. Cynthia Jerop-34:35.79

2. Beatrice Jerop - 35:02.04

3. Dorcas Jepchirchir-35:03.52

4. Sandra Chebet-35:36.22

5. Sheila Jelagat -35:38.21

6. Sharon Jelimo-35:56.40

10km Men

1. Vincent Kiprotich- 30:26.81

2. Charles Kimeli - 30:41.51

3. Josephat Kipchirchir-31:08.48

4. Titus Kipruto- 31:12.65

5. Moses Koech -31:12.96

6. Kelvin Kibiwott -31:25.17