Kipkemoi and Yego reign supreme in Iten race

Upstarts Wisely Kipkemoi and Phena Yego stormed to brilliant victories at the fourth edition of Iten 15km staged at the high altitude training base on Sunday.

The winners conquered the largely hilly course and even experienced competitors could not stop them from top spots.The race started in Kaplolo and finished in Iten town.

After their stunning triumphs, they announced their shift to 10,000m, promising to balance the track event with road racing.

Iten-based Yego, 19, opened a new chapter in her athletics career, winning her first road race.

Yego challenged World Road Running half marathon bronze medallist Catherine Reline for the title.

She cut the tape in 51:21.6 followed by Reline five seconds later (51:26.8) and Cynthia Chepngeno who timed 51:36.4 for third place.

Reline, who finished second was a marked woman in the last kilometre by a tactical Yego who out-kicked her at the final stretch.

Yego sustained her chase and waited for Reline to run out of gas at the final hill just before the finish line, to unleash a killer kick.

“Reline controlled the pace and I stuck behind her. She opened a 50m lead before the final hill but I discovered that she was getting tired and I increased my speed and overtook her in the final stages,” Yego said after the win.

She added: “It is my first win in a road race and I am happy because I can now train knowing that I can win. I am now looking forward to running 10,000m on the track. I recently ran a scholarship selection race at Kipchoge Keino Stadium and qualified.”

Beatrice Cheserek, Irene Cheruto and Antonina Kwambai took the fourth, fifth and sixth positions in the women category.

Kipkemoi, who trains in Keringet, Nakuru County took advantage of favourable weather – slightly warm conditions, to produce a spectacular win in a 15km field that had former Daegu Marathon champion Abraham Kiptum.

Kiptum, who is slowly making a comeback finished eighth behind Amos Kipkemoi (4th), Lomwai Kalipus (5th), Kosgei Kiptum (6th) and Vincent Kimaiyo (7th).

The reigning Chemususu half marathon champion stuck with the leaders from the gun before making his move just after the 10km, and maintaining the momentum to the finish in the highly competitive race run on a high altitude course that saw a majority of athletics stars storm the grounds where they train almost every day.

He clocked 45:13.7 to hold off Weldon Lagat (45:18.5) who finished second. Amos Kiprotich sealed the podium positions in 45:19.4.

“I had prepared for the 15km race well and I am elated after achieving my dream of winning a race in Iten. I used the race to gauge how the body would respond and I am happy that all went well.

“It was a challenging, hilly course and the competition in Iten was even tougher. There was a long slope before the finish but I pushed hard to maintain the lead to the finish line. I am now preparing to run 10,000m and if I meet the qualification standards for the World Championships, I will represent Kenya for the first time,” the winner said.

Several experienced athletes among them Boston Marathon Champion John Korir and former world record holder Wilson Kipsang watched on the sidelines.