Kiplangat, Chelimo dominate Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon
Erick Kiplangat and Millicent Chelimo rule the roost on Sunday for both the men’s and women’s races at the fourth edition of the Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon, Eldoret city.
Kiplangat delivered a well-timed sprint finish to clinch the men’s title in 1:01:07, edging out Kenneth Kiprono, who placed second in 1:01:14.
Gilbert Kipkosgei completed the podium in 1:01:22, while Stephen Chebon and John Mwaniki finished fourth and fifth in 1:01:25 and 1:01:26 respectively.
For Kiplangat, it was a memorable debut in the Eldoret race.
“I am happy to have won today. This was my first time participating in the Uasin Gishu Half Marathon and I am delighted to get the win,” Kiplangat said.
He noted that he deliberately conserved energy during the race before launching his decisive attack in the closing stages.
“I decided to conserve my energy for the final kick and that worked in my favour,” added Kiplangat.
Nashon Kiprotich finished sixth in 1:01:36, followed by Clinton Koech in 1:01:42. Esau Kemboi placed eighth in 1:02:01, while Philemon Kiprotich Konor and Edwin Kiptoo completed the top 10 in 1:02:04 and 1:02:05 respectively.
In the women’s race, Chelimo clocked 1:10:25 to narrowly defeat Tabitha Njeri, who finished in 1:10:27. Viola Munerya Chemos completed the podium in 1:11:03.
Kapsabet based runner Chelimo showed marked improvement from her previous appearance at the event, where she finished seventh in 2024.
“This was my second time competing in this race and I am happy to have won it this time around after finishing seventh in 2024,” she said.
Chelimo attributed her victory to a well-executed race strategy and her strong form following her recent win at the Vodafone Prague Marathon in May.
“My strategy worked perfectly. I am in fine form coming off a win in the Vodafone Prague Marathon in May,” Said Chelimo.
Brenda Jepchirchir finished fourth in 1:11:16, while Sharon Kiptugen placed fifth in 1:11:37.
The victories earned Kiplangat and Chelimo KSh300,000 each. The runners-up received KSh200,000, while third-place finishers pocketed KSh100,000.
Athletes who finished fourth, fifth and sixth received KSh50,000, KSh40,000 and KSh30,000 respectively, while those who placed seventh to 10th were awarded KSh20,000 each.
Men’s results
- Erick Kiplangat — 1:01:07
- Kenneth Kiprono — 1:01:14
- Gilbert Kipkosgei — 1:01:22
- Stephen Chebon — 1:01:25
- John Mwaniki — 1:01:26
- Nashon Kiprotich — 1:01:36
- Clinton Koech — 1:01:42
- Esau Kemboi — 1:02:01
- Philemon Kiprotich Konor — 1:02:04
- Edwin Kiptoo — 1:02:05
Women’s results
- Millicent Chelimo — 1:10:25
- Tabitha Njeri — 1:10:27
- Viola Munerya Chemos — 1:11:03
- Brenda Jepchirchir — 1:11:16
- Sharon Kiptugen — 1:11:37
