Rotich, Chebet win Eldoret City Marathon titles

The fourth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon ended with some bit of history as Victor Rotich Kipchirchir became the first athlete to defend his title at the event when he raced to glory on a sunny Palm Sunday.

The former Valencia Marathon champion timed 2:13:10 for victory as Emily Chebet, eighth last year, took the women’s crown in 2:29:58.

The pair thus claimed Sh3.5 million each in prize money in what counts as the biggest payout for a marathon event in Africa with this year’s event attracting more than 700 athletes.

A conservative race in the men’s competition saw Rotich complete the course just over four minutes slower, outkicking a leading pack of five at the 35km mark and going on to win.

“I was well prepare but because of an injury I’ve been nursing I wasn’t too confident about my chances today. I thank God for my win today,” Rotich said.

Michael Mutai was second in 2:13:22 with Josephat Bett timing 2:13:58 for third place. Timothy Kosgei (2:14:34) and Felix Kirwa (2:14:38) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The women’s race was as tight an affair as the men’s competition but was led the majority of it was led by Chebet who always appeared to have the race in hand and only occasionally threatened by Shyline Toroitich.

The 24-year-old Chebet, who finished seventh at the Istanbul Marathon in November last year, said her next target is earning qualification tickets for the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Championships Oregon22.

“I thank God for my win and hope I can stay fit and healthy for my next races. I didn’t run with any fear today because I felt confident with the level of my preparations and as they say; train hard win easy,” Chebet said.  

Toroitich Kirui took second place in 2:30:13 with Chelagat Lilian third in 2:30:23.

On Saturday, organizers of the Eldoret City Marathon entered a partnership with the Great Ethiopian Run International 10km, bringing two of the biggest races on the continent into a joint cooperation.

Great Ethiopian Run is one of the biggest events on Africa’s annual sporting calendar, usually attracting up to 45,000 runners from around the world.

Under the partnership, winners from the Eldoret City Marathon will be entered in this year’s edition of the Great Ethiopian Run.

SUMMARISED RESULTS

Men

1.      Victor Rotich 2:13:10

2.      Michael Mutai 2:13:23

3.      Josephath Bett 2:13:58

4.      Timothy Kosgei 2:14:34

5.      Felix Kirwa 2:14:38

Women

1.      Emily Chebet 2:29:58

2.      Shyline Toroitich 2:30:13

3.      Lillian Chelangat 2:30:23

4.      Emily Jepkemoi TBC

5.      Jackline Chelal TBC