Dominic Kimwetich was again the man to beat as he won his second race in a row. Gladys Chepchirchir was equally in winning form striding to victory in the women’s race almost unchallenged.
Kiwmetich, winner of last year’s race two hours 15.06 minutes, was this time 53 seconds faster as he cruised to victory at Kololo airtrip. Chepchirchir finished in 2:40:05, almost four minutes faster runner-up Rosina Kiboino.
“It was a good race. The weather was cool unlike last year’s heat,” said a smiling Kimwetich after crossing the finishing line. Kimwetich walked away with a sh14m winners prize just like Chepchirchir.
But while Kimwetich talked good of the race, fellow Kenyan Chepchirchir was full of complaints: “there were too many motorcycles on the road. There was even an accident somewhere,” she noted.
Uganda hit back by dominating all the shorter races. Daniel Rotich won the men’s 21km event while the women’s race in this category was taken by Linet Toroitich. Phillip Kipyeko easily retained the men’s 10km title, leading from the start to finish. The women’s race was won Nancy Cheptegei.
“My target now is the Africa cross-country and the Commonwealth Games. I want a medal in each of these,” said Kipyeko.
