Murkomen, Chepkemoi win Nairobi City Marathon titles

Benson Murkomen Tunyo and Emily Chepkemoi stormed to victory in the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in grueling cold conditions in the Nairobi City on Sunday.

Murkomen braved 2:08:37,  missing just the course record with 59 seconds while Chekemoi timed an impressive 2:25:52 to take home KSh. 3.5 million in the Africa's most prestigious marathon.

It was the second attempt by Murkomen after emerging eighth in the 2023 edition.

The 30 year old had finished 12th in the Eldoret City Marathon and today, he was a man on a mission, breaking away from the rest of the group to control the race at 31km.

The 2023 Zurich Marathon winner was in awe after cruising to victory.

"I'm happy to win today's race. I was behind at 21km but my body responded well at 28km before taking to the front. I maintained my speed well until the crossing line."

I worked hard in training and it paid off. I'm going to change the lives of my parents back at home with the prize I won," an elated Murkomen said.

Justus Limo finished second after clocking 2:08:47 while Kangogo Albert timed 2:09:06 to round up the podium finish in third place.

Chepkemoi, on the other hand came with an intent to win today after failing on several attempts.

The 2024 Eldoret City Marathon says endurance played key role in her victory.

"I'm happy to win today's marathon. I started on slow pace but picked up later. When I took the lead, I maintained until the end," noted Chepkemoi.

Vivian Jerotich (2:26:33) and Lucy Chelele (2:26:37) finished second and third respectively.

Evans Kipchumba Kiyeng destroyed the half marathon field in 1:01:22 ahead of Kenyan compatriots Stephen Kimutai and Nahason Kipsang who clocked 1:01:24 and 1:01:32 respectively.

The running course snaked through the iconic Nairobi Expressway and brought together approximately 16,000 athletes from 75 countries. 

Second and third place finish in 42km race took home KSh. 2.25 million and 1.5 million respectively.

Half marathon winners scooped KSh. 150,000 while second and third place finish   walked away with KSh. 80,000 and 50,000 respectively.