Philip Kirui (KEN) wins the 2003 Nairobi Marathon (© Omulo Okoth)
Nairobi, Kenyaknown farmer, Philip Kirui, who is based in the Rift Valley Provincial town of Kapsabet posted 2:15:40 to win the inaugural Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon.
Kirui, who was making a debut in marathon, took the lead after 10 km and maintained a gap of 200 metres to the finish. He was followed home in second place by Joseph Epiter in 2:17.28, while Simon Maiyo completed the podium after returning a 2:17.47 clocking.
“It was all easy for me until I reached the 35 km mark. I think I was tired and the last seven kilometres were very hard,” said Kirui. He was happy with his performance and promised to step up his training in readiness for next year’s Olympic Games.
Run under morning showers, the race attracted more prominent women than the men, as in the former category Alice Chelagat, 27, who holds a personal best of 2:28:16 (2nd place, 2002 Milan Marathon) upset 31 years-old Delilah Asiago to win the women's race.
Chelagat, who won the 2002 San Diego Marathon, took today's race in 2:41.27, with Asiago came second in 2:50.51, while Caren Areba was third after returning 2:55.12.
The victory saw the winners pocket Sh500,000 ($6,400) and a trophy each. Runners-up took home Sh200,000 ($2500) while the third placed athletes received Sh100,000 ($1250).
10km races
In the10-km road race Boston City marathon champion, Robert Cheruiyot lost to little-known Samuel Karanja. Cheruiyot clocked 30:37 while Simon Mutai came third in 30.40.
Debora Mengich won the women’s 10-km in 35:19 and was followed in second place by Elizabeth Rumokal in 35:41. Jackline Chemwok was third in 35.55, ahead of veteran Jane Ngotho who was fourth in 36:06.
Gabriel Ouma won the 42-km wheelchair division in 2:41:44 while Dennis Muga was second in 2:46.37. John Waweru clocked 3:13:05 to finish third. Nation Media won the corporate title with 557 points and were followed in the second place by Standard Chatered with 662 points.
RESULTS
Men's Marathon
1. Philip Kirui ( 2:15:40)
2. Joseph Epeter Kadou ( 2:17:28
3. Simon Maiyo ( 2:17:47)
4. Joseph Matui (2:20:35
5. Bernard Kosgei ( 2:20:35
6. Obed Gasemba ( 2:20:40)
7. Elija Mugo ( 2:20:52)
8. Charles Mwai Kanyao ( 2:21:00)
9. Sammy Rotich ( 2:21:08)
10.Rashid Mutisya ( 2:21:15)
Women's Marathon
1. Alice Chelagat (2:41:27)
2. Delilah Asiago (2:50:51)
3. Caren Areba (2:55:12)
4. Esther Saina (2:56:16)
5. Jane Chesang ( 2:57:34)
6. Norah Maranga ( 3:04:52)
7. Jane Omoro (3:06:20)
8. Jane Omoro (3:06:35)
9. Anne Cheruto ( 3:08:56)
10. Beatrice Misoi ( 3:15:54)
