Matthew Kiprotich from Elgeyo Marakwet is the winner of the 15th edition of Standard Chartered 2018 21 KM men’s race in 1:04:57, slightly two and a half minutes more than he ran in 2012.
In 2012, Kiprotich has won the men’s 21 KM half marathon at the tenth edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon at a time of 01.02.19. Speaking to journalists then, the athlete attributed his success to sacrifice and dedication saying that it was not a small thing to have won the race.
“I believe in practice for any success. This is a big day for me as I’ve been participating for the
marathon for few years without success. Now I’m happy for this is an important step I’ve made in
my life,” said Kiprotich.
Before winning the 2012 race, Kiprotich had been trying to bag the title of champion but had failed in the races he participated in.
Valerie Aiyabei has today also defended her title in winning the 21 KM women’s race despite having a pace maker. Speaking to journalists after reaching the finish line, the 21KM women’s race champion attributed her victory to proper training saying that it was her trick to winning the race.
In 2017, Valerie won the half marathon in a time of 1:11:05. Valerie has represented Kenya in athletics and put the country in the map when she won the Barecelona marathon in March of 2016 and set a new women’s course record which has been untouched in a time of 2:25:26.
The Standard Chartered Marathon is an annual charity event that aims to raise funds for the needy in the community. Since the launch of the Seeing is Believing initiative in 2003, the Bank has raised more than Sh250 million.
Among the programmes funded so far include screening of 6.2 million people, 170,000 surgical interventions, training of over 2,000 health workers and upgrading of more than 10 health facilities around the country.
This year, the marathon features six race categories; 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the popular 3km CEO challenge.
“This year we are targeting to raise Kes 60 million. All the proceeds from registration will be channeled to the ‘Seeing is Believing initiative’, which focuses on addressing avoidable blindness among children below 15 years” said Manjang, CEO Standard Chartered Bank Kenya.
The event was moved from the Nyayo National Stadium to Railway Club in Nairobi following renovations works at the stadium.
Did you participate in the 2018 marathon? What was your experience like?