Hillary Kipkoech reigns supreme at the Madrid Half Marathon

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ATHLETICS Hillary Kipkoech reigns supreme at the Madrid Half Marathon

Abigael Wafula 13:21 - 26.03.2023

Kipkoech cut the tape in 59:56 leaving Ethiopian duo chasing in vain.

2021 Sapporo Half Marathon champion Hilary Kipkoech is the 2023 Madrid Half Marathon champion.

Kipkoech on Sunday, March 26 obliterated a strong field to cut the tape in 59:56, ahead of the Ethiopian duo of Tadese Bikila and Tesema Mokenin who settled for second and third places in respective times of 1:00:48 and 1:00:55.

https://twitter.com/mediodemadrid/status/1639906092971950083?s=20

After the 5km mark, a pack of five men was leading the pack with Kipkoech being nowhere near them. He, however, charged up and passing the 10km mark, the 24-year-old was keen on closing into the leading pack.

As they were passing the 15km mark, Kipkoech looked poised and ready to go for the title as he was leading the pack. At the 18km mark, Kipkoech distanced himself from the pack and sprinted to the finish line.

Other Kenyans in the race were Edwin Seko and Edwin Kipruto who finished fourth and fifth respectively in 1:01:10 and 1:01:36.

Meanwhile, the women’s race was a disappointing outing for the Kenyan contingent as Ethiopians reigned supreme to take the first three places.

The trio of Zewditu Aderaw, Alemitu Tariku, and Ayinadis Teshome placed first (PB 1:07:38), second (PB 1:07:49), and third (PB 1:09:02) respectively.

Kenyans Caroline Chepkemoi and Lilian Jepkorir settled for fifth and sixth places in respective times of 1:09:29 and 1:10:22.

Elsewhere, the Hannover Marathon saw German Amanal Petros win in 2:07:02 as the Kenyan duo of Dennis Chirchir (2:07:17) and Frederick Kibii (2:08:08) took second and third places respectively in the men’s race.

The women’s race was won by Croatia’s Parlov Kostro (2:25:45) as Kenyan Pauline Mutwa placed second (2:29:25). Mexican Risper Gesabwa sealed the podium (2:29:49).

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