Chebet, Kiprotich Claim Top Honors at Betika Kapsabet 15KM

Miriam Chebet and Amos Kiprotich asserted their dominance as they took the top spots in the third edition of the Betika Kapsabet 15KM Road Race.

Chebet dominated the women’s event, winning in 49:33.4 as the only runner to break the 50-minute barrier in a test of speed and endurance on the roads of Kapsabet.

Fresh from her double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the BingwaFest in Siaya, Chebet has now carried her impressive form to the road.

In second place in the women’s event was Judy Jepngetich, who crossed the line in 50:01.6, while third-placed Maryan Njoki followed in 50:11.5.

Speaking after the race, Chebet expressed satisfaction with her execution, stating, “It was a good race, and everything worked just as I had planned. I have been fine tuning on my speedwork since winning at Siaya during BingwaFest, and it is all paying off. I will sit down with my coach, reflect on the race, and plan what’s next. We are thankful to Betika for the continued support in athletics as it means a lot to us athletes.”

Kiprotich Edges Thriller in Men’s Race

The men’s contest proved even more dramatic, with Kiprotich prevailing in a blanket finish after a fiercely tactical battle.

He stopped the clock at 44:22.0, narrowly ahead of Philemon Rono Cherop, who timed 44:22.6, while Dennis Kipkurui finished third in 44:23.1.

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Kiprotich, a Sirikwa Classic Cross Country silver medalist, revealed that patience and positioning were key to his victory.

“It was a very tactical race, and I am content with the execution. I stuck with the leading group, and we all pushed ourselves so that we could post better times. I am happy to have come out victorious today,” he said.

Prize Purse and Participation

The winners walked away Ksh 250,000 richer, with the second-place finishers pocketing Ksh 150,000 each and third-place athletes earning Ksh 100,000.

Fourth and fifth positions attracted Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 40,000 respectively, while athletes finishing between sixth and tenth place in both categories received Ksh 20,000.

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More than 700 athletes participated in this year’s event, underlining the steady growth of the race since its inception.

In the women’s top 10, Brenda Jepchumba (50:27.5), Janet Jepkoech (50:45.2), Jedidah Sang (51:16.3), Phenah Yego (51:18.5), Ninah Chepchumba (51:26.5), Irine Jeruto (51:39.2) and Hellen Chepkoir (51:43.0) completed the leading pack.

On the men’s side, Cyrus Kipkemoi (44:24.7), Justus Kiprop (44:37.1), Alfred Chelal (44:40.9), David Cheserek (44:44.3), Cornelius Kemboi (44:45.6), Vincent Kimutai (44:49.0), Geoffrey Kipkemboi (44:49.8) and Simon Thuku (45:00.1) rounded off the top finishers in a race marked by razor-thin margins.

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