Kibet, Jelagat win Tegla Loroupe Peace Race

Michael Kibet wins the 15th edition of Tegla Loroupe 10km Peace Race on November 10, 2018. PHOTO | OSCAR KAIKAI |

What you need to know:

  • The communities that attended the race included Karamojong and Sabei from Uganda as well as the Turkana, Pokot and Marakwet from Kenya who have in the past engaged in cattle rustling
  • At the initial stages of the race, which started at Makutano Catholic church, there was no clear favourite as the leading pack of 40 athletes commanded the onslaught
  • In the Warriors 10km race, Luke Shatukei from West Pokot County took the first position in the men's category followed by Lokai Momaimom from Amudat Uganda while the third position was taken by Simba Ekuum from West Pokot

Michael Kibet and Nancy Jelagat braved chilly conditions in Kapenguria, West Pokot County to win the 15th edition of Tegla Loroupe 10km Peace Race on Saturday.

The race was flagged off by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett, Peace ambassador and retired athlete Tegla Loroupe and West Pokot Governor Professor John Lonyangapuo.

The peace race brought together various reformed warriors from different warring communities in North Rift region and Uganda.

The communities that attended the race included Karamojong and Sabei from Uganda as well as the Turkana, Pokot and Marakwet from Kenya who have in the past engaged in cattle rustling.

Kibet, who hails from West Pokot County, capitalised on home advantage to win the men's race in 30:07 ahead of Abel Kiplimo from Elgeyo Marakwet County who came in second position after clocking 30:36. Shadrack Kimutai from Nakuru County sealed the podium in 30:39.

At the initial stages of the race, which started at Makutano Catholic Church, there was no clear favourite as the leading pack of 40 athletes commanded the onslaught.

Kibet broke away at the 5km mark, opening a wide gap but he slowed down as he approached the boundary where his challengers Kiplimo and Kimutai caught up with him.

Surging forward as they were cheered by fans lined up on the road, Kiplimo and Kimutai were confident of claiming victory, but Kibet kept closing the gap from behind.

When the duo appeared to have run out of gas, Kibet shifted gears at the tail end to snatch victory.

“I took an early lead at the 5km mark but then I realised I was pacing for the others and I could easily burn out. That is when I decided to slow down, but I was determined for the victory,” said Kibet.

In the women’s elite category, Elgeyo Marakwet's Jelagat clocked 35.50 in a tough battle to win ahead of Judy Cherono who timed 36:10. Sheila Chebiwott settled for third place in 36:55.

Jelagat said that she was happy to have won the race.

"Many athletes wanted to win the race but I had done enough training knowing that it will be a tough race. I'm happy I clinched victory," said the athlete.

In the Warriors 10km race, Luke Shatukei from West Pokot County won in the men's category followed by Lokai Momaimom from Amudat Uganda while the third position went to Simba Ekuum (West Pokot).

In the women's race, Rosyline Lomuria topped the podium in 38.13 followed by Nachap Sunti from Uganda in 42.49. The third position went to Dorcas Cherop from Sebei in Uganda who clocked 46.50.

The theme of the race was: Building bridges and inspiring talents for peace and development."

Boinett called on the communities in the region to embrace peace.

“We want warriors to change and engage in meaningful activities,” Boinett said.

The competition race - which was sponsored by National Police Service, US Embassy and Good Life - saw the winners pocket Sh50,000 each.