KAPSABET – Amos Kiplagat and Marion Kibor emerged victorious in the Kapsabet Half Marathon’s 21km events, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers and the inception of this notable race in Nandi County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiplagat executed a strategic finish, overtaking competitors in the final kilometers to secure his win with a time of 62:47.7, edging out Robert Keter and Joshua Kimutai who placed second and third respectively. Post-race, Kiplagat expressed his elation and anticipation for future competitions, acknowledging the race as a pivotal preparation for his athletic journey.
In the women’s category, Marion Kibor demonstrated her prowess by finishing first with a time of 71:34.56, outpacing Gladys Singor and Joan Chepkosgei. Kibor’s victory is a testament to her dedication and potential in the realm of long-distance running, as she looks forward to leveraging this success in future events.
The marathon also featured a 10km race where Daniel Kinyanjui and Pamela Kosgei claimed the top spots in the men’s and women’s categories, showcasing the depth of talent across various distances.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang highlighted the marathon’s significance as a celebration of local athleticism and commitment to supporting emerging talent. The event, themed ‘Run green, run clean,’ emphasized ethical competition and environmental consciousness, aligning with broader community values and the aspirations of participating athletes.
Sponsored by Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), the Kenya Tourism Board, and Athletics Kenya, the marathon aims to nurture athletic talent and provide a platform for athletes to compete and excel. CITAM Bishop David Oginde emphasized the race’s role in promoting integrity and perseverance among young athletes, urging them to aspire to excellence without succumbing to unethical practices.
The event, which began at Nandi Bears Club and concluded at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet, not only celebrated athletic achievement but also served as a community-building endeavor, reinforcing messages of clean competition and personal integrity.