By JOSEPH NGURE
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| Amos Mitei (partly hidden right) during the Nike Discovery Half Marathon race in Eldoret yesterday. Mitei won the race. [PHOTO:PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD] |
Experience did not count as new talents ruled the roost during the 23rd edition of the Nike Discovery Kenya Half Marathon held in Eldoret yesterday.
And for the first time since inception of the annual race in 1991, the event opened up to women competing in 10 kilometres alongside men’s 21km race.
During the race, which was concentrated on the Eldoret main Streets, green horn Amos Mitei obliterated pre-race favourites to win the seven loops of three kilometres.
Upstart Mitei broke off after sticking with a lead group of 15 athletes past the 18km mark to win the race in a slow time of 62:49.6, beating a crowded field of about 580 athletes.
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“I was not sure I could win this race. It is my first time to win after finishing second during Longonot Gate Half Marathon in Naivasha last week. I am happy and wants to win more,” said the new champion who trains in Kapng’etuny alongside New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai.
Another discovery, Allan Kiprono, finished second in 63:03.9 ahead of Robert Kipkorir (63:06.0) and Kimalel Chebotibin (63:09.6) who ranked third and fourth.
Veteran Mike Kigen, who controlled the race in the opening stages and was favoured to carry the day, settled for position 10 in 63:35.4. Enock Mitei, elder brother to the winner and who has refused to fade away from the event for the last 15 years, was in position 12 after taking 63:39.5.
In the women cadre, 20-year-old Peris Chepchirchir from Kapsabet was the winner of the inaugural Discovery 10km road race beating over 100 participants.
Chepchirchir, coached by Prison’s tactician Abraham Kiplimo, enjoyed a solo race, opening a 500metres gap, after taking control of the race from the gun.
“I have been training hard in Kapsabet. This is my second podium finish. I won Nandi County cross county and finished fourth during Prisons National championships. I want to be in the national cross-country team to Kampala for the Africa cross country meet,” she said.
She returned 31:53.4 while Veterans Linet Chepkirui and Irene Chebet landed on the podium second and third places in 32:55.5 and 33:13.5 respectively.
Agnes Barsosio (33:26.3), Gladys Yator (33:29.1) and Cynthia Towett (33:31.5) trailed the three.
The event was graced by Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Madago, National Olympic Committee of Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino and Athletics Kenya Vice President David Okeyo.
Results
Men
1. Amos Mitei 62:49.6
2. Allam Kiprono 63:03.9
3. Robert Kipkorir 63:06.0
4. Kimalel Chebotibin 63:09.6
5. David Kiptoo 63:10.0
6. Robert Chemosin 63:12.1
7. Stephen Kibiwott 63:13.4
8. Boaz Kiprono 63:14.5
9. Mathew Koech 63:29.9
10. Mike Kigen 63:35.4
Women
1. Peris Chepchirchir 31:53.4
2. Linet Chepkirui 32:55.5
3. Irene Chebet 33:13.5
4. Agnes Barsosio 33:26.3
5. Gladys Yator 33:29.1
6. Cynthia Towett 33:31.5
7. Angela Tanui 33:34.2
8. Mercy too 33:44.6,
9. Hellen Kurgat 34:04.7
10. Leonida Mosop 34:13.6
