|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Amos Kiprotich and Evalyne Chirchir, both from Keringet, are the winners of the 2nd edition of the Lake Olbolosat Half Marathon held in Nyandarua County on Sunday.
Kiprotich, making his debut in the competitive 21 km race, stunned the 2024 Hamburg Half Marathon champion Vincent Kimutai Towett with a powerful sprint 500 metres from the finish line to emerge winner in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 7 seconds, 9 seconds ahead of Towett, who finished 2nd, while Shadrack Kipng’etich completed the podium positions in 1:03:17.
“I had believed I was winning the race, but things changed with 300 metres to go. Still, I am thankful for the second position,” said Towett.
In the women’s race, Evalyne Chirchir, who placed second in last month’s Plague Marathon, put on a commanding performance to claim victory in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 28 seconds, followed by Jackline Chepngeno and Jane Moraa in 2nd and 3rd positions in 1:13:20 and 1:14:51, respectively.
“Having run a marathon last month, I came here mainly for practice and did not expect to win. “It was a pleasant surprise to emerge the winner,” said Chirchir.
Kiprotich and Chirchir were rewarded with Ksh 250,000 each for their victories.
The marathon was flagged off by Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha at the Equator “Zero Latitude” point along the Nyahururu-Ol Kalou highway, with the route branching off toward Lake Ol Bolosat through the Kasuku trading centre.
Speaking during the event, Dr Kipkorir Chumo, conservator at the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, underscored the importance of conserving Lake Ol Bolosat, calling it a vital ecological treasure.
“This is the only lake in central Kenya, and it plays a critical role in biodiversity and livelihoods. The national government is committed to supporting conservation efforts through policy, funding, and community engagement,” said Dr Chumo. “Events like this marathon are important not only for sports but also for raising awareness about the need to protect our natural resources.”
The event also featured 10 km and 5 km races for elite and wheelchair athletes, with winners in each category walking away with cash prizes.
