Enock Kipkemboi and Joy Kemuma were crowned winners of the fifth Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi on Sunday morning
Kipkemboi broke away from the leading men’s group at the 27 km mark and powered to the finish line in 2:09:33. Robert Kwambai came second in 2:09:51, and Shadrack Kendiuywo took third place in 2:09:55.
Kemuma, who finished 13th last year, crossed the line in 2:27:43 to win the women’s race, ahead of Jacinta Chepkoech, who finished in 2:30:48, and Nancy Jepleting, who finished in 2:31:07.
The winners of both the men's and women's races pocketed Sh3.5 million each in prize money, with the second-placed finishers walking away with Sh2.25 million and those finishing third Sh1.5 million.
Enock Kipkemboi crosses the finish line at Uhuru Park, winning the men’s elite race in the Nairobi City Marathon.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
Kipkemboi, who fell during the Eldoret City Marathon in April when he was jostling for position in the leading pack at the 40 km mark, forcing him to retire, said he had immediately turned his focus to the Nairobi City Marathon.
"I felt bad when I fell at the Eldoret City Marathon, but since another race was coming up, I decided to go back to training. I have been working hard because I wanted to be in a good position. I'm just excited my hard work has paid off," said Kipkemboi, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
He added that he has been training with a group of athletes in the high altitude region and without a coach.
“I don’t have a coach; I just train with the group following a set programme,” he said.
Kemuma, who trains in Kapsabet in Nandi County, ran alone for most of the race after surging to the lead when the route reached the Nairobi Expressway.
Joy Kemuma crossed the finish line at Uhuru Park, winning the women’s elite race at the Nairobi City Marathon.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
According to Kemuma, she went back to training immediately after finishing fifth at the Eldoret City Marathon in April, and her target was to finish on the podium.
"I still had some energy," she said.
In the men's 21km race, Brian Kogo took victory after timing 60:55, with Jonah Lagat (61:10) second and Lampard Mutuku (61:32) third.
Kogo, who trains in Cherangany in Trans Nzoia County, said that he has been inspired by his training partner, Boston Marathon champion John Korir.
"I must admit that my training partner has made me win here today because he always asks me to step in front in any race and I'm glad it worked for me here today," said Kogo.
Doreen Cherop won the women's 21 km race in 69:19, ahead of Sylvia Changeiywo in second place with 70:05, and Sharon Cherotich in third with 70:30.
The winners in both categories pocketed Sh150,000, with the runners up each pocketing Sh80,000 and the second runners up Sh50,000.
