Abraham Kiptum, Viola Chepnegno win Tenwek half marathon races

Former half marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum had to endure a stiff competition to win inaugural AGC Tenwek Hospital half marathon in Bomet county.

The race is dubbed as 'hearts in motion'.

Kiptum, from Nandi County, swept aside the field of 200 athletes with his fast pace to win the men's 21km race in 1:03.43.

He was closely followed by Wesley Yego of Nakuru who timed at 1:03.49 while Brian Kipyegon was in third position after clocking 1:04.02.

Shadrack Korir of Nakuru(1:05.18) was in fourth position as Collins Rono(1:05.27) closed the first five positions.

He lauded the race organisers for organizing the event, saying the initiative will assist the needy patients.

In women category, former Boston Half Marathon runner's up Viola Chepngeno, running tactful race, sprinted with 2km to go after should-to-shoulder with other athletes to win the race with a time of 1:14.08.

Chepngeno, who hails from Nakuru, was ahead of Cynthia Jemutai of Elgeyo Marakwet County who clocked 1:16.56 and Lilian Jebitok from Kericho who stopped the watch at 1:17.00.

Caroline Chepkwony of Kericho was fourth after ending the race in 1:17.10 while Faith Chepkoech of Bomet was fifth after returning at 1:17.13.

She said that she used the race to gauge her performance after having an injury which made her to be out of competitive racing.  Hospital Acting CEO Benjamin Siele said the event was meant to raise Sh100million to support the needy patients with heart problems.