PRAGUE Marathon runner up Evans Kiplagat overcame stiff opposition to win the inaugural Iten marathon yesterday in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Kiplagat employed his road running experience to register his maiden victory in the marathon sponsored by Kenya Alliance National Union (Kanu).
He has participated in various international races however he has not stepped on the highest podium slot.
He has two silver medals from the 2014 and 2015 Prague marathons among other international honours.
Clocking 2:15.42 yesterday in Iten to bag a victory was quite impressive owing to the high altitude.
Collins Tanui came second in 2:16.31 and Samuel Kalatel closed the podium in 2:16.37.
Evans Biwott (2:16.46), Elias Chelimo (2:16.57) and Laurence Cherono (2:17.11) followed in that order.
Delighted by the victory ,kiplagat however noted the hard course and strong winds that slowed and strained his muscles.
“The course was very rugged with many depressions and that made me strained alot as I spot the flat surface to step on while running,”He said.
“Though I liked the competition for build up on my future races,” he added.
The 2009 Waswa marathon third finisher Pamela Jemeli brilliantly won the women’s category in 2:45.04 after a mouth-watering battle on the course.
She skillfully outran second finisher Mercy Chemutai who clocked 2:45.41, while Ednah Kwambai came third in 2:46.06. Gladys Kibiwot (2:47.56), Rodah Tanui (2:48.17) and Nancy Rotich (2:48.28) closed the top six finishers.
An injury she picked last year when she placed second at the Kass marathon didn’t deter her from garnering the victory.
“I was not sure of winning today since I had a minor injury. However the little pain I had allowed me to finish the race and I am very happy for it,”She said.
In the half marathon Stephen Chebogut carried the day in 1:05.59 while Josphat Kiprop and Kenneth Keter clocked 1:06.01 and 1:06.02 for second and third places.
Florence Jepkosgei, winner of Gauteng Marathon in 2014 won the half marathon in 1:16.44 while Jepkorir came second in 1:18.39 for second place and Susan Kosgei was third in 1:20.51.
Courtesy of the-star.co.ke