Chepng’etich, Kipkorir lead Kenya’s charge at EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

Since stepping up to the 21km distance in 2022, Chepng’etich has steadily built her reputation on the roads. She announced her arrival with a commanding debut victory at the 2022 Udine Half Marathon in Italy, running 1:08:24.

Her progression continued in 2023 with a strong second-place finish in Prague, where she improved her personal best to 1:06:42. Later that season, she added another podium finish in Valencia after stopping the clock at 1:05:15.

The 28-year-old signaled her readiness last weekend at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex during the Athletics Kenya weekend meeting. Chepng’etich dominated the women’s 10,000m race, clocking 34:36.9 to finish ahead of Maurine Chebor and Marion Kibor.

In Lisbon, Chepng’etich faces a high-quality field led by defending champion and course record holder Tsigie Gebreselama, who won last year in 1:04:21.

The race will feature more than 10 women with personal bests under 1:10, including fellow Kenyans Lucy Cheruiyot, Regina Wambui, Tabitha Njeri Kamau, Diana Chumba and Selah Busienei.

In the men’s elite race, attention will also turn to the return of Jacob Kiplimo, the course record holder at 57:31. The Ugandan star once held the world record between 2021 and 2024 and is expected to dictate the early pace.

Kenya’s challenge will be led by Commonwealth games silver medallist Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich, whose personal bests of 58:23 and 58:27 respectively place them among the top contenders.

They will be joined by Benard Langat and Kiprono Sitonik, both carrying strong sub-60-minute credentials.
Uganda’s camp will also introduce rising talent Oscar Chelimo as he makes his half marathon debut.

The international field is equally deep, with home favourite Samuel Barata expected to lead the Portuguese challenge.