By GPC Sports Reporter
Cornelius Kipkosgei Konor and Betty Jelangat claimed the men’s and women’s 10km titles respectively at the inaugural Absa City Run Eldoret Edition on Sunday.
Konor clocked 30:27.4 to win the men’s race, narrowly beating David Korichei, who finished in 30:34.8, as Mark Kipkoech took third place in 30:36.5.
The race attracted athletes from across the region, with the course starting and finishing at Absa Bank’s Eldoret branch before taking competitors through the streets of the City of Champions.
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Konor said he struggled during the opening lap but gained confidence towards the final stages after realising his body was responding well.
“The first lap was difficult, but towards the last lap I realised my body was responding well. I decided to sprint and managed to win,” he said.
He added that the race was part of his preparations for the Chepsaita Cross Country, where he hopes to build on his speed work.
In the women’s race, Jelangat clocked 34:43.7 to secure victory, edging out Leah Jekwemoi, who finished second in 34:49.5. Sharon Kiptugen completed the podium in 35:50.4.
Jelangat’s triumph came despite battling a nerve injury in her leg. She said she was pleased with the outcome, having approached the competition without putting herself under pressure.
“I am happy to have won the race. I did not put myself under any pressure; I just ran my race,” she said.
The athlete said she would take time to recover and manage the injury before consulting her coach on her next competition.
The inaugural event was part of Absa Bank Kenya’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of the lender’s operations in the country. It also provided an opportunity for the bank to strengthen its engagement with communities through sport.
Men’s 10km results
- Cornelius Kipkosgei Konor – 30:27.4
- David Korichei – 30:34.8
- Mark Kipkoech – 30:36.5
- Canton Kiplimo – 30:50.4
- Raymond Sinei – 30:52.5
- Jacob Kaptoro – 30:56.3
Women’s 10km results
- Betty Jelangat – 34:43.7
- Leah Jekwemoi – 34:49.5
- Sharon Kiptugen – 35:50.4
- Sandra Jebet – 35:59.2
- Veronicah Wakoraya – 36:04.5
- Mutuyimana Berthilde – 36:10.1
