Kipkorir ready to defend title at Nairobi City Marathon

Brimin Kipruto says he is ready to defend his title at this year's Nairobi City Marathon to be held on 2nd July.

For the second year running, the Royal Media Services Ltd have been signed up as media partners for the event that will be run largely on the Nairobi Expressway.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, Kipkorir said the favourable altitude in Nairobi led to his success in last year’s race which was his third win in the capital after similar wins in Standard Chartered marathon in 2017 and 2019.

“I am ready to defend my title next month although I know many athletes will be targeting victory as well. I like competing in Nairobi because the altitude here is somehow favourable compared to other places, especially where we train in Elgeyo Marakwet,” said Kipkorir.

Kipkorir clocked 2:08:30 to win last year’s inaugural race before going on to win the Frankfurt Marathon in October in 2:06:11

Having finished 13th at this year’s Tokyo Marathon in March, Kipkorir is hoping to bounce back to winning ways when he competes at the Nairobi City Marathon.

“I participated in the Tokyo marathon in March where I placed 13th because I was unwell. I still feel some pain but hopefully I will be okay before the race”, said Kipkorir who trains in Kapkitony in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

According to race director Ibrahim Hussein, more than 3000 runners have registered for the event with organizers targeting about 10,000 runners to compete over 42km, 21km, 10km and 6km races.

Hussein said the registration is still ongoing online at www.NairobiCityMarathon.com

Local athletes are registering with Ksh1,500 for the 42km race, Ksh1,200 for half marathon, Ksh1,000 for 10km and Ksh500 for 6km.

Their international counterparts will pay $90 for the 42km race, $60 for the 21km race, $40 for 10km and $20 for 6km race.

The winners in the 42km race will pocket Ksh 3.5 million with the second-finisher taking home Ksh 2.25 million while the second runners-up will be awarded Ksh 1.5 million.

Victors in the half marathon will pocket Ksh 150,000 while those who triumph in the 6km race will be awarded Ksh 100,000.