Athletes compete along Nairobi Expressway during the Nairobi City Marathon. [File, Standard]
Benson Tunyo Murkomen and Emily Chepkemoi are the winners of the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon (NCM) held in the Kenyan capital on Sunday.
Murkomen braved the overcast weather, clocking 2:08:36 to lift the men’s cutthroat showpiece as determined Justus Limo (2:08:42) and Albert Kangogo (2:09:06), who breathed heavily on his neck, finished in that order.
Likewise, Chepkemoi waded through the chilly morning, ending the tape in 2:25:45 to become the new women’s winner, edging out Vivian Jerotich (2:26:31) and Lucy Chelele (2:26:35) who completed the podium in that order.
Each of the winners went home Sh3.5 million richer from the showpiece that was contested by over 16,000 participants from 75 nations.
Murkomen, 30, from Iten was grateful for his first ever victory in the marathon stating that the secret of his win was the adequate preparations he had with his Kiprun Management team in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
“I started the contest far behind. I managed to bridge this gap when my body responded to the cold weather at the 25km mark,” Murkomen told Standard Sports.
“I cruised through to stay just behind the leading pack before taking control of the race with 13kms to go. While on the lead, I was really not sure if I’ll win, that’s why I kept on glancing over my shoulder, but I held on to the finish line because I badly needed the victory,” added the father of one.
It was the second time that Murkomen was putting his life on the line for the Nairobi City Marathon glory, following an eighth-place finish last season.
“I feel more than elated with this victory. I’m now looking forward to international showdowns in the course of the season, but this will be decided by my management,” the 2023 Zurich Marathon de San Sebastien (Spain) champion said.
Asked what he will do with the Sh3.5 million bounty he bagged, Murkomen said: “I’m going to build my parents a better house. I’m also going to improve the livelihood of my grandmother.”
After registering a Did Not Finish in 2022, Chekemoi was equally over the moon with her victory in the energy sapping women category.
“I trained well in Iten. I prepared for this contest by concentrating on long runs every morning and I’m glad it paid off,” said Chepkemoi.
“My tactic in the race was starting on a low pace before gradually increasing the speed,” the 26 year-old-mother of one said.