Kiptoo, Chirchir win Imani Seven-Forks Half Marathon

Amon Kiptoo and Evalyne Chirchir emerged the overall winners of the 3rd edition of the Imani Seven-Forks Half Marathon held on Saturday at Gitaru in Mbeere South, Embu County.

The annual event attracted top athletes from across the country, combining competition with compassion, as proceeds from the marathon will go towards supporting orphans at Imani Christian School in Kiambere.

Kiptoo, a 31-year-old Iten-based athlete, showcased his endurance and class by clocking 1:03:44 to win the men’s 21km race. He edged out Nakuru’s Wesley Kipkemboi, who finished second in 1:04:00, and Elgeyo-Marakwet’s Kiprop Kimutai, who came in third at 1:04:06.

Kiptoo, who won last year’s Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series in Madrid, Spain, and placed third at the Incheon International Half Marathon in Korea earlier this year, described the course as one of the toughest he has faced.

“The course was quite challenging, especially with the high temperatures, but I’m happy I managed to maintain my pace to the finish line,” he said after the race.

In the women’s 21km category, Evalyne Chirchir from Nakuru County reclaimed her title, clocking 1:13:03. The 2023 Standard Chartered Marathon champion also won the inaugural edition of the Imani Seven-Forks Half Marathon. She was followed closely by Jackline Chepng’eno from Elgeyo-Marakwet, who finished in 1:13:46, and Glorias Chepkirui from Nandi, who placed third in 1:14:29.

Chirchir, who is preparing to participate in the Boston Half Marathon next month, also acknowledged the demanding nature of the race.

“It was a tough course with intense heat, but I’m glad to reclaim the title.” she said.

In the 10km men’s race, Alexander Njae from Embu County thrilled the home crowd by taking top honors in 31:45. He was followed by Austin Kagunya from Nyandarua, who clocked 31:50, and Lampard Mutuku, who crossed the line at 31:52.

In the women’s 10km category, Regina Wambui from Nairobi claimed victory in 36:58, narrowly edging out Carren Chemutai of Nakuru, who finished second in 37:05, and Sharon Cherotich, also from Nakuru, who came third in 37:13.

Winners in the 21km category walked away with a cash prize of KSh 250,000, while the 10km champions bagged KSh 150,000 each.