Joyce Jepkurui claims win at the Baringo Safaricom Half Marathon – Athletics news
Joyce Jepkurui cruised to victory in a brilliant time of 1 hour, 10 minutes and 57 seconds at the inaugural women's race in the seventh edition of the 'Baringo Safaricom Half Marathon' on Sunday, November 6, in Baringo, Kenya, over a competitive field of
runners.
The men’s race was won by Solomon Kiptoo, who finished the distance in a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 23 seconds. After winning the race, he stated “After finishing fourth in two local races, the Ndalat Gaa cross-country meeting and Keberigo 10km road race,
I began to plan for this race and I am happy that my dreams came through.”
The second spot in the men’s category was secured by Peter Kosgei with a finishing time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 39 seconds. He was followed by Joseph Apermoi, who cleared the finishing line in a decent time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 42 seconds to mantle
the third spot.
In the women’s race, Jepkurui carved away from the rest of the field at mid-way point with a magnificent 40-metre gap. The field included World Cross Country regular, Pamela Lisoreng of West Pokot, and seasoned road runner, Viola Bor. With just two kilometres
to go for the finish, Jepkurui started celebrating her forth-coming victory.
The 2011 Gothenburg Marathon winner and last month’s Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon 10km champion, Jepkurui, after winning an epic race stated, “I was afraid the morning drizzle could deny me better times but I am okay. I now prepare to race at the
Dubai 10km race early next year.”
The second spot at the podium in the women’s category was attained by Jemimah Chelagat in a decent time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 57 seconds, and she was followed by Viola Bor for the third position with a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes and 23 seconds.
The race was a sheer entertainer and if both athletes continue the same way, then they will surely be inducted in the list of paragon competitors for the respective discipline.
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