Local Ng’eno triumphs in Bomet race

Benard Ngeno cuts the tape to win in the inaugural Bomet half marathon championship in a time of 1:03:02 on February 16, 2019.PHOTO | VITALIS KIMUTAI |

What you need to know:

  • Josephat Boit from Elgeyo Marakwet County followed Ng’eno closely in second position, while Ronald Kirui from Nakuru county came in third.
  • Jackline Chepngeno from Nakuru County posted a time of 1:14:16 to clinch second in the women’s race as Margaret Agai (1:15:27) from Uasin Gishu County crossed the finish line in third.

Benard Ng’eno braved a tough course and hot conditions to claim victory in the inaugural Bomet half marathon in a time of 1:03:02 on Saturday.

Ng’eno, the sixth-place finisher at last year’s Valencia Half Marathon and winner of the 2018 Chemususu and Laikipia half marathon races said the course was tough.

“I was reluctant to participate in the competition, but at the last minute I signed up as I wanted to ensure that no athlete from another county wins the inaugural competition. It was more about protecting one’s territory from aggression,” Ng’eno said.

He added: “I had a plan and I stuck to it, I had the energy which I expended with ease, and I knew the terrain pretty well. I am happy the strategy worked without my burning too much energy.”

He said the 59:22:00 he posted in the Valencia race was his personal best and he looks forward to improved performances in various races he will be participating in this season locally and internationally.

The 2018 Kass marathon champion Cynthia Cherop from Kapsabet in Nandi County put on a sterling performance as she won the women’s race by posting a time of 1:13:85oin a course that challenged most competitors.

“The greatest challenge was the course as it has not been used before and I was not familiar with the terrain, but I put my best foot forward and led from the start to the finish line,” Cherop said.
She added: “The weather was not very favourable as the sun was sizzling hot, but we had to brave it to the end. I was well prepared for the competition physically and psychologically. I thank God I emerged victorious in this inaugural competition despite the challenges.”

Josephat Boit from Elgeyo Marakwet County followed Ng’eno closely in second position, while Ronald Kirui from Nakuru county came in third.

Jackline Chepngeno from Nakuru County posted a time of 1:14:16 to clinch second in the women’s race as Margaret Agai (1:15:27) from Uasin Gishu County crossed the finish line in third.

The 2km fun race attracted Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso, her Kericho counterpart Professor Paul Chepkwony, Bomet Senator Dr Christopher Langat, nominated Senator Dr Alice Milgo, Woman Representative Mrs Joyce Korir, Members of Parliament – Mr Ronald Tonui (Bomet Central), Mr Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Mr Dominic Koskei (Sotik), Mr Gideon Koskei (Chepalungu) and Mrs Beatrice Kones (Bomet East).