Kibiwott Kandie and Margaret chelimo wins Valencia marathon
This Sunday saw marathoners from all over the world gather in the city of Valencia in Spain to participate in the half marathon. The temperature was perfect at 15 degrees celcius in the morning with no wind when the race started. Kibiwott Kandie ran fourth fastest race in history to win the Men’s race. He clocked 57:40 mins. Four of the top runner broke the 58 mins barrier to complete 21.2 kms. The pacemakers were asked to run at a steady pace of 2:45 mins/km but Kandie overtook the pacemakers within 5 kms. He clocked 13:43 mins for 5 kms. Selemon Barega overtook Kandie after 31 mins and was leading the race for some time. After 13th km Kandie was back at the front. Apart from Barega, Gebrhiwet and Kejelcha were in the leading pack. Just around 400 meters left to the finish line Kandie pushed himself hard and outpaced the group. From there it was not possible for anyone to match his pace.
Margarate Chelimo from Kenya won the women’s race and clocked 1:04:46 hrs. This was her personal best. She was followed by Irine Cheptai who clocked 1:04:53 hrs and and Janet Chepngetich, who ran 1:05:15.
It is to be noted that Kenyans have completely dominated the marathons across the world in recent times. 2 weeks back Kelvin Kiptim broke the world record for marathon at Chicago and at Valencia both the men and wome’s race was dominated by Kenyans.
This was Kandie’s second best performance behind his half marathon world record timing of 57:32 mins. He now is a proud owner of two of the fastest half marathons.
Top 10 finishers at Valencia Half Marathon
Women
1 Margaret Chelimo (KEN) 1:04:46
2 Irine Cheptai (KEN) 1:04:53
3 Janet Chepngetich (KEN) 1:05:15
4 Gotytom Gebreslase (ETH) 1:06:12
5 Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) 1:06:20
6 Melat Kejeta (GER) 1:06:25
7 Samantha Harrison (GBR) 1:07:10
8 Nigsti Haftu (ETH) 1:08:42
9 Carolina Wikstrom (SWE) 1:09:39
10 Lauren Hagans (USA) 1:09:41
Men
1 Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 57:40
2 Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 57:41
3 Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) 57:41
4 Selemon Barega (ETH) 57:50
5 Sabastian Sawe (KEN) 58:29
6 Hillary Chepkwony (KEN) 58:53
7 Mathew Kimeli (KEN) 59:00
8 Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli (KEN) 59:06
9 Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 59:22
10 Weldon Langat (KEN) 59:22
