Newcomers upstage veterans at Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret

Participants tackle a section during the Family Bank Half Marathon in Eldoret on Sunday. [PHOTO:PETER OCHIENG’/STANDARD]

By JOSEPH NGURE

The marathon production line got a major boost in Eldoret when fresh athletes dominated the 21 kilometre race held in the town on Sunday.

Though regular runners continue providing colour in the women’s class, new upstarts stole the show, beating  big names as the event, sponsored by Family Bank for the seventh time, moves to a different level from next year.

Erick Ndiema made his debut in the half marathon with a display of great talent after overcoming stiff competition from more than 700 runners as Mercy Kibarus ruled in the women’s category.

The self-coached Iten-based runner clocked an impressive 62:55.4 to announce his presence at the event.

“This is my first half marathon. I have not run in the 21 kilometres before. I have just been training with other athletes in Iten,” said Ndiema, 27 from Mt Elgon.

The hotly contested men’s race also ushered in 20-year-old Lawi Kiptui and another new catch Daniel Kiptoo into the limelight, startling coaches who had placed their bets on established athletes.

Very strange

“This is very strange! These boys are very strong and capable of winning big competitions. We need to keep our eyes on these new talents,” said National Head Coach Sammy Rono, who was one of the officials. Ndiema, who has been training for the last four years, has his mind set on Nairobi International Standard Chartered Marathon later this month. “I am going to run my second half marathon in the Standard Chartered Marathon in Nairobi. After that I will try a full marathon,” added Ndiema.

Breaking away

Lawi, from Baringo who trains in Kapsabet, returned second in 63:04.7, while Daniel Kiptoo timed 63:06.5 to finish third. Mark Kibiwott (63:14.7), Joel Mutai (63:17.5) and former junior cross-country team member Gideon Kipketer (63:30.1) followed in that order.

In the women’s category, Mercy Kibarus, the reigning Safaricom Baringo Half Marathon champion, beat more than 100 women to win the title in a new course record of 70:51.00 during the event graced by Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago and Family Bank Chairman Wifred Kiboro.

In the absence of the defending champion Joyce Chepkurui, Kibarus traded the lead with World Half Marathon bronze winner Pascalia Chepkorir and 2011 winner Agnes Chebet before breaking away after the 18th kilometre.

“The race was part of my preparations for the Venice Marathon next month. It was not easy for me as I had to run away from Chepkorir (Pascalia) early. I feel great and hope to do well in Venice,” said the winner who will pocket Sh160,000 for her efforts.

Chepkorir clocked 71:40.2 in second place, as Agnes Chebet, the winner of 2011 edition, stopped the timers in 71:56.8. Former world junior cross-country bronze medallist Edith Chelimo timed 73:25.2 for fourth.

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