Aiyabei, Kipchumba rule Rimoi-Kamnarok half marathon
Valary Aiyabei cuts the tape to win the inaugural Rimoi-Kamnarok Half Marathon women’s race in Elgeyo-Marakwet County on December 09, 2018. Aiyabei clocked 71:20, Antonina Kwambai was second in 71:23 while Naomi Chepng’etich finished third in 72:50. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
What you need to know:
- Aiyabei wins the inaugural race ahead Antonina Kwambai and Naomi Chepngetich.
- The race was flagged off in Salawa, Baringo County and ended at Biretwo in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
- Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang said that the race was used to sensitize the need to conserve the environment.
Beijing Marathon champion Valary Jemeli Aiyabei and Copenhagen Half Marathon champion Daniel Kipchumba are the winners of the inaugural Rimoi-Kamnarok Conservation Half Marathon in Elgeyo Marakwet competed under sweltering heat.
Aiyabei clocked 71:20 to clinch the women's race edging Paris Half Marathon champion Antonina Kwambai to second place in 71:23 while Naomi Chepngetich was third in 72:50.
Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang, the race ambassador, said it was used to sensitise people on conserving the environment.
“We have a lot of athletes in this region and it’s good that they came in large numbers including the community to participate. The local races are good for the upcoming athletes because that is where your career starts,” said former London Marathon champion.
Kipchumba won the men's title in 62:70.0 ahead of Noah Kipkemboi who clocked 63:15.2 for second place while Mathew Kemboi was third place in 63:31.3.
The race that started in Salawa Baringo County and ended at Biretwo in Elgeyo Marakwet County, saw the athletes persevere the high temperatures.
Said Aiyabei: "I came to participate in the race when I heard it's used to create awareness on conservation. It was a tough race but I had prepared well as I get ready for the new season."
The Iten-based athlete added that she will be eyeing one of the international marathon races after a brilliant performance in the Beijing Marathon in September.
She entered the history books as the first Kenyan woman to win the 39th edition of Beijing Marathon in September after clocking 2:21:38.
Daniel Kipchumba cuts the tape to win the inaugural Rimoi-Kamnarok Half Marathon men’s race in Elgeyo-Marakwet County on December 09, 2018. Kipchumba clocked 62:57:0, Noah Kipkemboi was second in 63:15:2 while Mathew Kemboi finished third in 63:31:2. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
In the men’s category, Kipchumba lurked behind the leading pack before breaking out in the last kilometre to win the race.
Kipchumba, who trains in Iten under the Global Sports Communications banner, said that he was happy to win the race after good calculation from behind.
"We have started the season and winning this race is a sign of good things to come. I will be participating in various road races and I hope to perform well," he said.
Kipchumba said he is preparing for Copenhagen and Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) half marathons next year.
Selected results
Men 21km
1. Daniel Kipchumba 62:57.0
2. Noah Kipkemboi 63:15.2
3. Mathew Kemboi 63:31.3
4. Kelvin Kiptum 63:32.9
5. Josphat Kemboi 63:47.0
Women 21km
1. Valary Jemeli 71:20
2. Antonina Kwambai 71:23
3. Naomi Chepngetich 72:50
4. Brilliant Chepkorir 72:51
5. Maureen Jepkemoi 73:41
