The 2007 Citta di Roma Marathon Champion Elias Kemboi is the 2022 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon winner after posting a time of 2:10.22 on Sunday during the 19th Edition of the World Athletics sanctioned event.
Iten-born Kemboi ran a studious race and was a comfortable winner leading through the line by a 29 seconds gap ahead of Wilfred Kirwa who posted a personal best time of 2:10:51.
Third in the 42km race that started and ended at Uhuru Gardens was Kipkorir Kangogo 2:11:10 in a race that was flagged off by newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba accompanied by Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen Jackson Tuwei alongside Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.
“I am really grateful to be the winner today. It was not easy but I thank God for guiding me to victory.
“I am now hoping to get some races abroad. I think this victory will open doors for me,” stated the 38-year-old veteran road runner who was only returning to marathon racing since 2019.
Speaking after the marathon, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organizing Committee chairman Peter Gitau said: “We are proud to have hosted an inclusive, sustainable and accessible marathon for all. This year, we implemented lessons from last year enabling us to host a hybrid marathon.
“We remain grateful to all our partners and stakeholders who continue to make the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon a premium athletic event and now look forward to the 20th edition in 2023.’’
In the women’s race, Sheila Chepkech emerged victorious in a time of 2:27:04 followed by Beatrice Cheptoo who came in runner-up with a time of 2:28:42.Shyline Jepkorir Toroitich finished third closing out the podium with a time of 2:29:36.
Chepkech said, “I am indeed grateful for the win and it is all down to my training before the event. After my sixth place in Eldoret City Marathon, I went back to basics where I worked on endurance and pace so I am happy.
“My strategy worked and it is a good thing and certainly this will be a marker for my next engagements.”
The marathon featured six race categories: 42km for men and women, 21km for men and women, 10km for men and women, 21km for wheelchair men and women, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
Over 200 elite athletes,100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 20,000 recreational runners participated in the marathon.
Meanwhile, Daniel Simiu who is the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist won the 21km half-marathon posting a time of 1:00:50.
He was followed closely by Isaiah Lasoi (1:01:23) and third place going to Samuel Kiplimo 1:01:30. Simiu who is eying good tidings in Hungary next season was happy with the plan of execution.
“It is my first race of the season. I wanted to compete in a half marathon as I get my body ready for next year’s event in Budapest,” he said.
The women’s race was won by Evaline Chirchir who crossed the finish line in 1:09:58. Patrick Mosin (31:39) and Jesca Chelsea (35:26) bagged the 10km titles in the men’s and women’s events respectively.
