Kipkorir, Barsosio triumph at Nairobi City Marathon

Kipkorir crossed the finish line in 2:08:30 ahead of Richard Rop who placed second in 2:09:17as Daniel Yator closed the podium in 2:10:15.

The experienced Kipkorir is not new in the streets of Nairobi having won double titles at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2017 and 2020.

In the women's race, Agnes Barsosio cut a dominant figure to win the race in 2:24:45 ahead of Shyline Jepkorir who clocked 2:29:04 to finish second.

Sharon Jemutai was third in 2:29:37.

In the men's half marathon, Vincent Ngetich took top honours in 1:00:44 while Charles Mneria and Geoffrey Kipyego were held in a tight battle for a second-place finish in a photo-finish contest in the men's 21km race at the inaugural edition of Nairobi City Marathon.

Mneria would finish second as Kipyego came home third as both athletes clocked 1:00:48.

In the women's race, Irene Kimais emerged victorious in 1:09:15 as Sophy Jepchirchir clocked 1:10:00 to finish second while Emily Chebet was third in 1:10:21.

Kipkirui Langat reigned supreme in the men's race after crossing the finish line in 28:10 ahead of Nelson Mandela (28:16) and Richard Ethir (28:18) who finished second and third respectively.

The winners of the men's and women's full marathon took home Ksh.6,960,000 ($60,000) making the race the highest paying event in Africa.

The event nicknamed "Uhuru Classic'" was graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta , Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed among other guests. 

"I want to congratulate the winners and everyone who participated in this event. You have always showcased our country globally and we are proud of you. We are now hope as a country that we will get the hosting rights for the 2025 World Athletics Championships," said Kenyatta. 

At the same time Kenyatta announced that the newly constructed Expressway will be open to public next week Saturday.

"It will go away in reducing traffic jam in the city and help grow our economy. From Saturday next week you will be able to use the road" he said.