Chelangat, Konor win inaugural Absa City Run in Eldoret

Cornelius Konor  and Betty Chelangat won the inaugural Absa 10km City Run Eldoret Edition on Sunday, as Absa Bank Kenya concluded a week-long programme marking 100 years of operations in the town.

Konor won the men’s race, beating David Korichei and Mark kipkoech , who finished second and third respectively, in a competitive field of elite athletes.

Konor emerged the winner timing 30.27.4, while korichei was placed second clocking 30.34.8 as  kipkoech closed the top three timed 30.36.5.

Kipkosgei said the first lap was hard until the last lap he discovered his body is responding well ,he decided to Sprint and clinched the title.

Konor said the city run was part of his training to improve on speed work as he is preparing to compete at Chepsaita cross country.

Chelangat claimed the Elite Women’s 10km title ahead of Leah Chepkwemoi and Sharon Jerono Kiptugen, who finished second and third respectively.

chelangat clinched the title clocking 34.43.7, as Chepkwemoi came second timed 34.49.5 as kiptugen followed in third clocking 35.50.4.

Her nerve injury on the leg did deter her to win the race.

chelangat  said she is happy to have won the race since i did not have any pressure she just ran her race.

For now she is going to recover and nurse her injury before deciding with her coach on which competition next.

The event attracted hundreds of participants, including professional athletes, amateur runners, fitness enthusiasts, families and members of the public, with additional competitions held over 5km and 3km distances.

The race, which started and finished at Absa Bank’s Eldoret branch, formed part of the lender’s centenary celebrations in the North Rift region and its wider community engagement programme.

Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira said the event was designed to celebrate the bank’s longstanding relationship with the community while promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The Absa City Run was designed to celebrate the people who have been part of our journey over the last 100 years, while promoting health, wellness and community connection,” said Ms Wachira.

She said the bank would continue investing in initiatives that bring communities together, create opportunities and support regional development.

Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports, ICT and Innovation Robert Kemei said the competition would strengthen the local athletics ecosystem by providing platforms for emerging and established athletes.

“Events such as the Absa City Run play an important role in strengthening Kenya’s athletics ecosystem by providing competitive platforms for both elite and emerging athletes,” said Kemei.

The centenary programme also featured customer engagements, community outreach initiatives, stakeholder forums and employee recognition activities across Uasin Gishu County.

Ms Wachira said Eldoret had remained an important part of Absa’s history and growth, adding that the bank would continue partnering with the region to support its economic and social development.