Kipchumba, Njeri rule at Beyond Zero
Amsterdam Marathon winner Vincent Kipchumba and Lydia Njeri took top honours at the 2020 Beyond Zero Half Marathon after winning the men’s and women’s titles, respectively at the Nyayo National Stadium,yesterday.
The two will take home Sh250,000 each in prize money with the second and third-placed finishers in both categories bagging Sh125,000 and Sh75,000, respectively.
It was an upgrade for Kipchumba, who last October, won in the Dutch capital in a time of 2:05.09.
He credited mental strength for the win after overcoming a stiff challenge from Nicholas Kosimbei in the last three kilometres and eventually approach the finish line unchallenged.
Kipchumba would eventually clock 1:01.54 with Kosimbei (1:02:28) and Albert Kangogo (1:02.30) completing the podium.
“This was my first race of the season which is helping me prepare for London marathon on April 26.
I have been training hard enough because I know what to expect in London going by the athletes who have confirmed to run there.
I have strong passion and courage, so I believe it is going to be great for me,” said Kipchumba.
In the corresponding women’s race, Njeri, who was second at the 2019 Paris half marathon, clocked 1:12:02.3 ahead of second-placed Emily Chebet as Pacifica Jeptoo settled for third in 1:12:44.
It was a huge motivation win for Njeri, who had flown to Paris last week only for the race to be cancelled over coronavirus fears.
“I was really feeling bad because the iconic race was cancelled. I had prepared well, so you can imagine the kind of losses one has to bear.
With many public events being shut or postponed around the world, it leaves would-be participants disappointed, because we don’t really know what lies ahead,” said the 35-year-old.
Meanwhile, Vincent Yegon ruled the 10km men’s race, shrugging off competition from close rivals Benam Kipkemoi who finished second and Jackson Kavesa, who came in third. Yegon timed 28:23, Kipkemoi clocked 28:38 while Kavesa managed 28:40.
Evaline Chirchir reigned supreme in the women’s equivalent in 31:56 followed by Caroline Gitonga (32:13) and Janet Ruguri (33:10).
Other events included 21km wheelchair, 10km corporate and 5km family fun races.
