Kenyan athletes have once again shown their dominance in long-distance running by taking the top 11 positions in the Kigali International Peace Marathon held in Rwanda.
George Onyancha emerged victorious with a time of 2:17:41, followed closely by Silas Kiprotich and David Kipkorir who clocked 2:18:11 and 2:18:43 respectively.
In the women’s category, former Boston Marathon champion Sharon Cherop came second after finishing with a time of 2:36:06 behind Ethiopia’s Tsege Muhalabt who timed 2:35:17.
Cherop expressed her satisfaction with her performance, saying that she was using the race as part of her training ahead of the new season which has already started. “The race was tough but I am glad to have emerged second,” said Cherop.
In the 21km race, Uganda’s Kennedy Kipyeko won after timing 1:03:52 ahead of Kenya’s John Mburu who clocked 1:03:54 while his compatriot Evans Kipkorir finished third with a time of 1:04:12.
The women’s category saw Kenyan athletes Winfridah Moseti, Lilian Jepkemboi, and Susan Aramisi take first, second, and third place respectively.
Meanwhile, Hillary Kipkoech and Naomi Jebet were crowned winners of the Moi Girls’ Kapsowar Charity and Conservation 10km road race in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Kipkoech finished first with a time of 28:36.9 while Jebet edged out defending champion Purity Komen Chemutai and Catherine Reline for the title in the women’s category.
Jebet described the race as tough due to its hilly course but expressed her satisfaction with her performance, saying that she had to give it her best to win. “The race attracted few athletes but tough ones.
It is better to have many but not tough unlike today,” said Jebet.
Kenyan athletes continue to dominate the long-distance running scene, and their impressive performances in these recent races are a testament to their hard work and dedication.
