Kiprop, Kipketer clinch 18th StanChart Nairobi Marathon

Elisha Kiprop and Valentine Kipketer are the men’s and women’s winners respectively of the 18th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

 Winners in both categories each walked away with Sh2 million from the annual event that made a comeback this year after it was cancelled in 2020 due to unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 Kiprop clocked 2:11:07 for his second title at the event having also won the 2018 edition.

 Alphonce Kigen  was second in 2:11.11 with Joshua Kogo sealing the podium in 2:11:14.

 In the women’s category, Kipketer timed 2:30:01 for victory while Naomi Maiyo settled for second place in 2:32:22. 

 Beatrice Cheptoo fought off a strong challenge from Rebecca Cheptegei of Uganda to finish third in 2:32:33. Cheptegei followed three seconds later.

 Kiprop was in jubilant form after  winning the marathon again and stated that he is not in a hurry to compete in other races.

 “It feels great to win again but I would like to focus on my training before competing again,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Kipketer said that she registered for the marathon after missing the deadline for the Amsterdam marathon and she is glad it paid off.

 “After failing to compete in the Amsterdam Marathon, I decided to compete in this marathon and I am happy to win in my first attempt.

With failure to compete at Amsterdam, I  had more motivation after that disappointment,” she said.

 The race was held along the Southern Bypass route in Nairobi, saw over 2,500 elite athletes battle for glory and be part of the Sh11.5 million purse money that had been allocated for winners of different categories.

 The start and finishing points of the race were at the Carnivore Grounds and featured other different categories including 10km, 21km, 21km Wheelchair Race, 42km Corporate Relay.