Chebet, Jepchirchir reign supreme in Valencia

The Kenyan duo of Evans Chebet and Peres Jepchirchir chalked victories in the men’s and women’s races in Valencia Marathon held on Sunday.

In a tactical race, Chebet outsprinted the reigning Boston and Chicago Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono to win the race in 2:03:00 and cement Kenya’s dominance in the race with 18 wins in 39 editions.

Cherono crossed the finish line in 2:03:04 to finish second as defending champion Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia was relegated to third in 2:03:16.

World marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto placed fourth in 2:03:33 with compatriot Reuben Kiprop settling for the fifth spot in 2:04:12

Two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui clocked 2:05:05 to rank seventh.

In the women’s race, the red-hot Peres Jepchirchir stormed to a comfortable victory in 2:17:16 with the reigning New York City Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei finishing a distant second in 2:18:40 while Helalia Johannes of Namibia placed third in 2:19:52

It was the third win for Jepchirchir this year in as many races smashing the women’s only half marathon world record in the two previous events; Prague Half Marathon and World Half Marathon.

Meanwhile, Joan Chelimo clocked 2:20:57 as she placed eight while Fancy Chemutai ranked 10th in 2:24:27