Brigid Kosgei wins Kalya Half Marathon
Brigid Kosgei on her way to victory during the Kalya Half Marathon in West Pokot County on December 08, 2018. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
What you need to know:
- Kosgei ran in the leading pack before breaking and controlling her pace to the finish leaving a gap of almost 500 metres between her and second-placed Joy Kemuma
- The race was used by many athletes to step up preparations for the upcoming season
- In the men’s category Calipus Lomuyi finally won the race on home soil after several attempts
Chicago Marathon champion Brigid Kosgei and 2017 Hamburg Half Marathon champion Calipus Lomuyi are the winners of the 2018 Kalya Half Marathon held in Kapenguria, West Pokot on Saturday.
The race, which started at Maili Saba in Trans Nzoia and ended at Makutano township in West Pokot, was used by many athletes to step up preparations for the upcoming season.
Kosgei, fresh from winning the Kakamega Forest Half Marathon three weeks ago, ran in the leading pack before breaking and controlling her pace to the finish leaving a gap of almost 500 metres between her and second-placed Joy Kemuma.
The 2017 Honolulu Marathon champion cut the tape in 72:34 ahead of Kemuma who clocked 75:55 while 2017 Standard Chartered Bank marathon champion Celestine Chepchirchir was third in 77:10.
“Kenyan athletes are tough and I like using the local races to gauge myself. I have been doing well in training and I'm happy I was able to clinch the title at home,” said Kosgei who is yet to get a clear programme for next year.
“I’m still waiting for communication from my manager regarding the races I will be participating in next year. I want to do better by winning all the races I feature in,” added the soft-spoken athlete.
In the men’s category, Calipus Lomuyi finally won the race on home soil after several attempts.
He clocked 65:20 ahead of Andrew Kwemoi who finished second in 65:22 while Kibet Soyellwo sealed the podium in 65:27.
More to follow...
