In a monumental win at the 21st Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, seasoned athletes Ronald Kimeli Kurgat and Gladys Chemutai finally clinched their first marathon titles after years of persistence, pocketing Sh2 million each in prize money.

Their victories, achieved on Sunday, marked a career milestone for both runners, who had long aimed to conquer this prestigious event.

Kurgat, hailing from Eldoret, seized the men's 42km race with a personal best time of 2:13:05, overcoming a gruelling stretch in the last five kilometres to surge past his competitors.

After making his marathon debut back in 2012, Kurgat’s patience paid off as he crossed the finish line at Uhuru Gardens.

Reflecting on his strategic shift in training locations, he shared, “I used to wake up every morning to go train in Iten, but I decided to change that and pitch my camp in Eldoret.”

Read More

  1. Stanchart posts 64 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to Sh22.5 billion in Q3 2024
  2. Sh7 million lifeline for Mathare and Embakasi communities devastated by floods
  3. Stanchart expands foreign currency investment solutions for Kenyans

This adjustment proved pivotal, as he comfortably edged out second-placer Dominic Kipkurui Bett, who came in at 2:13:13, with Peter Kwemoi finishing a second later at 2:13:14.

Kipkurui, a recent victor at the Izmir Half Marathon in Turkey, commended Kurgat’s formidable late-race strength, commenting, “The race was tough and the chilly weather worsened things. Kurgat proved stronger in the last three kilometres to beat us on the kick.”

In the women's 42km race, Iten’s Gladys Chemutai powered her way to a commanding victory, crossing the line in 2:31:52. This year’s win is particularly significant for Chemutai, 29, who had previously placed seventh and fifth in the marathon.

Her inspiration came from Irene Cheptai, the 2017 World Cross-Country Champion, who recently secured a podium finish at the Chicago Marathon.

“This is all for my training partner Cheptai and my training gang in Iten,” Chemutai remarked. “Cheptai told me that I could also make it to the podium and all I needed is to train hard and remain prayerful.”

Chemutai’s win was a testament to her perseverance, as she surged ahead of Caroline Koech, who finished second in 2:35:00, and Joy Kemuma, who secured third place with a time of 2:36:06.

The champion extended heartfelt thanks to her husband, Kelvin Kosgei, and their young son, Adriana Cheng’etich, who have been her pillars of support.

“I knew I would one day win here in Nairobi, and God made it today,” Chemutai said. “My victory is a clear manifestation that self-belief, hard work, and being prayerful can move mountains.”

Looking ahead, Chemutai aspires to compete in the World Marathon Major races, driven by her mentor Cheptai’s accomplishments.

She hopes to represent Kenya on the global stage, especially in marathon competitions.

The marathon, which attracted a record 25,000 participants, also witnessed thrilling performances in other race categories.

Shadrack Musyoka took top honours in the men’s 10km race, finishing in 29:50, while Emmy Chemutai emerged victorious in the women’s 10km, completing the race in 36:17.

The men’s 21km race saw Vincent Mutai claim first place in 1:03:27, while Gladys Koech triumphed in the women’s 21km with a time of 1:12:10.

In the wheelchair division, John Wambua and Caroline Wanjira won the men’s and women’s 21km races with times of 1:29:01 and 2:07:36, respectively.

Top Results for 42km

Men’s 42km:

Ronald Kimeli Kurgat – 2:13:05

Dominic Kipkirui – 2:13:13

Peter Kwemoi Ndorobo – 2:13:14

Women’s 42km:

Gladys Chemutai – 2:31:52

Caroline Koech – 2:35:00

Joy Kemuma – 2:36:06