Kigen, Jeptoo retain road race titles

By Joseph Ngure

Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon champion Moses Kigen and Padova Marathon runner-up Prisca Jeptoo retained their titles at the Family Bank half marathon in Eldoret on Sunday.

Kigen, popularly known as Manpower, reduced his opponents to amateurs, taking command of the 21km race from the start to the end.

He beat more than 600 competitors to clock 63:18.2 in a new course, an improvement from his 66:50.6 he ran last year before going on to win Standard Chartered Marathon in Nairobi.

"Today’s course was very good. I enjoyed it all way and felt strong with each loop. It was the best," said Kigen.

"I was using the race to prepare for New York Marathon on November 17 and I hope to do well," added the champion, with 2:10.36 PB in full marathon.

Michael Tiony, a track runner, maintained his runner- up position, timing 64:08.3 behind Kigen with Yobes Ondieki-coached Peter Muriuki coming third in 64:10.4.

In the women’s race, Jeptoo, second in Padova, Italy, last April, faced less opposition in reclaiming her title. She registered 70:05, her career best in Spain.

She stopped the timer in 73:24.8 during the race sponsored by Family Bank, and witnessed by Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru and women 5,000m World champion Vivian Cheruiyot.

"I will run a marathon in Europe in three weeks. I was guaging myself today and I am sure my manager will like this result today," said Jeptoo, 26, who trains in Kapsabet.

The winner of Amsterdam marathon in 2007, Magdaline Chemjor finished second 74:32.1 and Emily Rotich from Iten was third in 75:17.6.

A total of Sh500,000 prize money was given out with the winners in each category taking home Sh00,000 and the other two in the podium getting Sh50,000 and Sh25,000 respectively.