Aiyabei & Kiprotich triumph at Iten International Marathon

Justus Kiprotich and Valary Ayabei leveraged their knowledge of the Iten International Marathon course. That ensured they secure top honors in the third edition of the event, held on Sunday.

Valary, a seasoned long-distance runner with an impressive record on Kenyan roads, clocked 2:28:57, while Kiprotich finished in 2:14:04.

In the 2019 Frankfurt Marathon, Aiyabei crossed the finish line nearly four minutes ahead of Vivian Jerotich.

Sheila Kemei secured the bronze medal with a time of 2:37:28.

In the men’s category, Kiprotich, beat the 2020 Tokyo Olympics 3,000m Steeplechase bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen. Kigen made his marathon debut with a 2:14:29.

Joel Kimutai was third after clocking, two hours, 14 minutes and 39 seconds. 

Knowledge of the Iten course – a strategic brilliance

Both Aiyabei and Kiprotich conceded that they possessed a vast understanding of the course by virtue of being residents of Iten and having used part of the course in their training.

Aiyabei, the 2018 Beijing Marathon champion said the decision to make a surge after the 35-kilometre mark made the difference, as the rest struggled to respond. 

“I enjoyed the race although the weather was not pleasant at the starting point . I looked back after 35 kilometers and realized the rest were struggling and pulled away. It feels good to race and win at home,” stated Aiyabei, who was making her debut in the event. 

She, who won the Doha Marathon in February, struggled to contain her joy after sealing what has been a successful season with a gold medal.

“I will proceed for a rest now that I have raced my last event of the season, ” she added.

How Kiprotich handled competitors

Kiprotich told reporters that he shifted into a higher gear at the 30-kilometre mark but realized he had “kicked” too early ten kilometers.

He said he nearly faded at the 40-kilometer mark but summoned the remaining energy to leave Kigen behind all the way to the finish line.

“The race was tough but the good preparations I had helped a lot. I made arrangements to train on a course with similar conditions and altitude to that of Iten. I made the decision to break from the rest at the 30-kilometer mark. I realized I made the move early and had to slow a little bit down at 40 kilometers. The rest were closing on quickly but, I pushed myself all the way to the finish line,” said Kiprotich, who was also racing in the event for the first time.

Iten Marathon gunned off at Chororget Shopping Centre with the women athletes taking off 15 minutes earlier. 

A water point was erected at Kiptulos Shopping Centre with the next stop for drinks being at Chemwabul market. 

Water was also available at Kaptarakwa, Kitany, Kapkoi and Kipson shopping centres.

Top honours – a reward of hardwork and endurance

In the 42km category, the top three positions will receive Ksh 1 million, Ksh 750,000 and Ksh 500,000, respectively.

For the 10km race, the winners earned Ksh 100,000, Ksh 75,000 and Ksh 50,000.