Kenyan marathoner Enock Kipkemboi redeemed himself with victory at Sunday’s Nairobi City Marathon, a few months after failing to finish at the Eldoret City Marathon.
Kipkemboi edged a nervy race to cut the tape in 2:09:33, finishing ahead of Robert Kwambai (2:09:51) and Shadrack Kenduiywo (2:09:56), who came second and third respectively.
Kipkemboi said winning the top prize was his ultimate aim for which he had invested his physical and psychological resources.
“I am so happy to have come here and won today. My sole objective was to win this race because my last competition did not go according to plan. I fell down with two kilometres to go, and so I could not finish the race,” he said.
Kipkemboi’s last win came at the Huai’an Marathon in China in 2024, where he clocked 2:11:44 for the triumph. He is hoping his latest success is the start of another fruitful chapter in his career.
“I hope that I can get to compete in more international races and to win more such competitions,” he said.
Joy Kemuma win the 42km women’s Nairobi City Marathon in 2:27:46. She finished ahead of Jacinta Chepkoech and Nancy Jepleting, who take second and third place respectively.
Nairobi City Marathon’s 2026 half-marathon race?
Meanwhile, Doreen Cherop produced a commanding display at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, storming to victory in the women’s half-marathon after a dominant run through the capital’s challenging streets.
Cherop clocked 1:09:19 to claim top honours ahead of Sylvia Changeiwo, who finished second in 1:10:04. Sharon Cherotich completed the podium places after timing 1:10:30.
Despite her emphatic triumph, Cherop admitted the race presented its fair share of challenges, particularly due to the weather conditions and the demanding nature of the course.
”The race was good, but the only challenge was the weather. It was heavy,” she said. ”The course was good but it was hilly and sloping, so it was a challenge.”
The Kapsabet-based runner revealed that she is still finding her footing over the 21-kilometre distance, having only made her half marathon debut at the Kapsabet Half Marathon in April.
”This is my second half-marathon. My first was in Kapsabet,” she noted.
Runner-up Changeiwo, who trains in Iten, described the race as tough but said a podium finish had always been among her targets. ”The race was tough but I had expected a podium finish,” she said.
She added that the demanding course exposed an area she needs to improve on as she continues her development. ”The course was good but my speed wasn’t enough, so I need to go back and focus on my speed.”
Having competed in the 10km race at last year’s edition, Changeiwo decided it was time to test herself over the longer distance and was pleased with the outcome.
”Last year I ran the 10K and I finished. After running the 10K last year, I decided to do the 21km this year because I was in good shspae. I am happy with the outcome.”
Third-placed Cherotich also praised the high calibre of competition in the women’s field, saying the battle for podium places was intense from the outset.
”The race was good, we pushed ourselves and the competition was really high,” she said.
For Cherotich, the conditions posed little trouble as she felt adequately prepared heading into the race. ”The course was good, the weather was good and I had also prepared well before coming here.”
Like Changeiwo, Cherotich stepped up from the 10km race after featuring in that distance at last year’s edition.
”I had run the 10K last year and I decided to upgrade the distance this year so I could see how I would perform.”
John Korir’s training mate Brian Kogo shines at the Nairobi City Marathon
Drawing inspiration from the sixth fastest marathoner in the world, Brian Kogo cruised to victory in the men’s 21km at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday morning.
Kogo showed nerves of steel and physical endurance to cross the finish line first in 1:00:55. Jonah Kiprop Lagat timed 1:01:10 to claim second, whereas Ngong’s Lampard Mutuku had to make peace with third place after clocking 1:01:32. Speaking afterwards, Kogo described himself as a disciple of Boston Marathon champion John Korir, who has been imbuing him with knowledge on how to win races.
“He is a huge inspiration to my career. From training with him, I have come to learn the importance of discipline and enduring even through the pain. I have applied a number of techniques in my career and I am happy to see the results today,” Kogo said.
Meanwhile, despite missing out on the top prize, Kiprop expressed pride at a successful outing in what is his second road race in his career.
“I have fallen in love with it…the race was very good. This is my second race, having transitioned from the men’s 800m. Being a specialist in the men’s 800m has really helped me to succeed in road running because it built my speed,” Kiprop said.
Also counting the positives was Mutuku ,who admitted his endurance has grown a notch from his previous competition. He is contemplating competing at next month’s Mau Marathon and is hopeful that Sunday’s podium finish will stand him in good stead.
“Looking at today’s performance, I can say that my endurance has really improved. I have definitely made strides in my career and I am now looking forward to my next race, which could be the Mau Marathon. Obviously, the final decision lies with my coach,” Mutuku said.
The winner received Ksh 150,000 as prize money, Kiprop and Mutuku walking home with Ksh 80,000 and Ksh 50,000 respectively.
