Kipkoech beat sibling to win Sotokoto 10km crown

Leonard Kipkoech prevailed to retain the title in a closely fought sibling affair contest at the 2018 edition of the Sotokoto 10km race held at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization in Muguga, Kiambu County yesterday.
Kipkoech charged past the leading pack at the 2km point, beating his elder brother Kipkurui Lagat to second place. He was timed at 32:42 minutes, consigning Lagat to the second position in 32:48. Justus Musyoka clocked 34.28 to settle for the third place with Onesmas Mutungi (34:54) and James Ndung’u (35:17) closing the top five places.
“I developed confidence of winning the title when I got to the venue in the morning because there were very few people for the race. But I also had to sit back and strategise in the final the 2-km of the race,” said  Kipkoech.
The 2018 City-by-City half marathon silver medallist, who has also won twice Maasai Mara Half Marathon champion, will be running at the Mwea Half Marathon on July 21 and thereafter the Shanghai Marathon in China on November 11.
Naomi Jebet won the women’s 10km race in 38:02. She intimated that her feat was boosted by the good choice of venue. “Those who were ahead of me tagged me along but the fial kick is what saved the day for me. The course here is very good. Running on soil here is always better than on tarmac. The weather was favourable too today,” she said. Ruth Karunga clocked 38:09 minutes to place second while Edick Mutahi completed the podium in 38:38. Sheila Kemei (39:40) and Mercy Njeri (42:150 wrapped up the top five places. Francis Waweru won the 8-13 years boys’ 5km ahead of Daniel Esipital and Brian Mwangi while in the girls 14-16 years class, Lavin Wanjiku beat Nelly Njeri and Monica Njeri to second and third places respectively.