Habari Za Wiki - 7th December, 2021
The Running News
Cherono, Jelagat victorious in Valencia
Lawrence Cherono, the 2019 Boston marathon winner had a fantastic weekend at the Valencia marathon and quite the comeback after a disappointing outing at the Tokyo Olympics. Cherono who finished second in the Valencia marathon last year clocked 2:05:11 to win this year's race. Ethiopia's Chalu Deso finished second in 2:05:15 while compatriot Philemon Kacheran came third in 2:05:18. Geoffrey Kamwaror a pre-race favorite who missed the Tokyo Olympics because of an injury came fourth in the race with a new personal best time of 2:05:22.
In the Women's category, Jelagat made history as the first woman to clock a sub 2:20 finish in Valencia. Jelagat registered a new personal best time of 2:19:31. Ethiopians Etagne Woldu and Beyene Degefa came second and third respectively in 2:20:16 and 2:23:04.
Kimitei, Chepng'etich win Iten Gender Based Violence Road race
The Iten End Gender violence 10km road race happened this past weekend in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet. The race was held in memory of Agnes Tirop, 2015 World Cross Country champion who was found murdered in her home in Iten in October this year.
Wilfred Kimitei and Ludwina Chepng’etich were crowned winners of the 10km road race in the men’s and women’s categories. Kimitei ran a tactical race breaking off from the pack in the last kilometer where he led all the way to the finish line clocking an impressive 30:07:01. Patrick Kipkirui finished second in 30:12:06 while Peter Mwaniki settled for third place in 30:14:04
In the women's category, Chepng’etich clocked 35:40:03 to win the race. Lydia Mathathi came close to Chepng’etich but couldn’t match her pace and she settled for second place in 35:23:05 while Glorious Jepkirui sealed the podium in 35:40:03.
Githae wins Final edition of Fukuoka Marathon
Michael Githae stamped his name in history books as the last winner of the 75th edition of the Fukuoka International Marathon. Fukuoka Marathon which is one of the oldest marathons was scrapped off due to financial challenges and inability to attract sponsors.
Michael timed 2:07:51 to win the race as Japans Kyohei Hosaya came second in 2:08:16. Compatriot James Gitahi settled for third place after clocking 2:08:25
Non-Kenyan News
Warholm And Elaine Thompson Herah were crowned World Athletics Athletes for the year.
What a fantastic year it has been for these two Great Athletes. Karsten Warholm, a 400m hurdler who beat a 29 world record at the Tokyo Olympics winning a Gold medal was crowned the male athlete of the year. His Tokyo time of 45:94 seconds is considered one of the greatest Olympic track performances of all time.
Thompson Herah won the women's award for achieving the sprint double at a second consecutive Olympics!
Congratulations to the well-deserved recognition of two great athletes!