Kigen, Chirchir soar high

Alphonce Kigen and Everlyne Chirchir stood tall above 25,000 participants to emerged as the Stanchart Nairobi City Marathon men and women champions, respectively, in Nairobi yesterday.

Kigen secured victory in the men’s race with a time of 2:10:18, while Moses Mwangi took the second spot, crossing the finish line in 2:10:26. Patrick Kipchirchir claimed the third position in a time of 2:11: 59.

“I came here to win regardless of the many competitors, the race was much easy, and I didn’t encounter a significant level of competition. I believe that with proper training, one can attain excellent results.” Said Kigen.

For the third consecutive year, the races commenced and concluded at Uhuru Gardens on Langata Road, drawing a crowd of more than 22,000 participants from different countries.

On the other hand, Mwangi provided an explanation for his defeat to Kigen: “I attempted to increase my pace in order to catch up with Kigen, but it appeared that he had ample energy within him, he had trained well.”

In the women’s competition, Chirchir completed the race in 2:24:31, leading ahead of Martha Simiyu, who secured second place with a time of 2:26:45. Aurelia Cherotich took the third spot, crossing the finish line in 2:26:49.

“I had diligently trained for the past three months. After winning the half marathon last year, I decided to challenge myself with the full marathon. My ultimate goal is to compete in the marathon majors,” said Chirchir.

According to her, the course was flat and enjoyable, but the sun was quite intense. She acknowledged having formidable competitors, yet she enthusiastically declared that it was simply her day.

Justus Kiprop claimed the top position in the men’s 21km race by completing it in 1:2:39followed by Jackson Kipleting, who secured the second spot with a time of 1:2:43, and Asbel Kiplimo in third with a time of 1:3:2.

Kiprop, expressing his satisfaction, stated, “I had undergone thorough training and was well-prepared for today’s race. Winning makes me happy. I started racing last year and now I’m eagerly anticipating the next competition.”

In the women’s half marathon, Jackline Chelal from Iten finished first with a time of 1:11:18. Edith Chepchumba secured the second position in 1:11:55 and Nancy Jepleting took third place with a time of 1:12:18.

Chelal, who had not expected to win in her first attempt at this race, remarked, “This is part of my preparations for the Valencia Marathon.”

Stanley Njihia clinched the men’s 10km title in 28 minutes and 36 seconds, while Loice Chemnung claimed the women’s title in 31 minutes and 54 seconds.

Kigen and chirchir walked home with a prize of Sh 2 million.