Robert Kipkemboi (C) of Kenya crosses the line to win the men's race during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
NAIROBI, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans Robert Kipkemboi and Naomi Jebet triumphed under cold and cloudy conditions to claim the 2023 Nairobi City Marathon titles on Sunday.
Their victories, both originating from the Rift Valley region of Elgeyo Marakwet, earned them 3.5 million Kenyan shillings (about $24,900) each in the second iteration of the event, which is primarily run along the Nairobi Expressway.
Kipkemboi, the 2016 Nairobi Stanchart Marathon winner and aged 33, broke away from the lead pack near the 36-kilometer mark, charging towards victory in 2:07:38. "I have run in worse weather than this. It was cold, but I ran a good race," the victor shared with reporters.
Charles Muneria, the 2016 Africa Cross Country bronze medalist, finished second in 2:08:41, marking his second career marathon.
In the women's full marathon, Jebet surged to victory in 2:25:33, narrowly defeating a determined Sharon Chelimo who finished at 2:25:50. "I'm surprised by this victory. I will take time to absorb this before deciding my next move," the women's champion stated.
Jebet managed to catch up with the frontrunners during the women's race's latter half, breaking away in the final kilometers for the win. Judith Jeruth (2:27:01) came in third to round off the podium.
The men's half marathon saw an upset when Uganda's Maxwel Rotich clinched the title in 1:00:10, ahead of the Kenyan duo of Vincent Kipkorir, who finished second in 1:01:13, and Kennedy Kimutai in third at 1:01:22.
Gladys Chepkurui took the women's 21km category crown in 1:09:06, with Susan Chembai claiming silver in 1:10:05. Nancy Chepleting completed the top three in 1:10:17. ■
Runners participate in the 10km marathon during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Runners participate in the 10km marathon during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A runner (C) collects his medal after race of the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Runners warm up together at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Runners participate in the 10km marathon during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Runners participate in the 10km marathon during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Staffs provide runners with a ranking certificate at Nyayo National Stadium during the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A runner participates in the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya on July 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)