Kiprop leads Uganda to victory
Jan 25, 2009
ISAAC Kiprop let the final kick do the talking after he beat experienced Martin Toroitich to lead Uganda to team gold in the Eastern Africa half marathon championship that ended at Namboole yesterday.
E. Africa half marathon
Top results; Individuals
Men
1 I.Kiprop (UGA) 1:06.51
2 M.Toroitich (UGA) 1:06.53
3 J.Kibet (UGA) 1:07.01
Women
1 C. Chepkeny (KEN)1:17.57
2 A. Nyakisi (UGA) 1:20.13
3 M.Syombuya(KEN) 1:20:27
Teams; men
Uganda 3:21:45
Kenya 3:28:02
Tanzania 3:36:27
Djibouti 3:44:47
Women
Kenya 4:00:53
Uganda 4:10:57
By Norman Katende
ISAAC Kiprop let the final kick do the talking after he beat experienced Martin Toroitich to lead Uganda to team gold in the Eastern Africa half marathon championship that ended at Namboole yesterday.
The duo, together with James Kibet, broke away from the main pack of runners, but had proceed cautiously as Kenyan Boniface Nduwa took the lead with 2km to the finish.
The Ugandans on reaching Kireka sped up to close the gap and by the time they started ascending towards Namboole from the Lugogo bypass, it was clear victory was Uganda’s side, but not sure who of the three would take the lead as they approached the main gate towards gate 6 with 500m to the finish line.
Kibet dropped off, leaving Toroitich and Kiprop go for it head on, until the last 120m when Kiprop broke through to take the gold for both individual and country.
“I saved energy for the final 1km that is why I managed to sprint to the finish,†said Kiprop after winning the race. Toroitich blamed his lack of speed.
“I have worked on my endurance and I have no complaint but my speed is still poor. I only trained three times but will improve before the next international competition,†said Toroitich.
In the women event, Adero Nyakisi led all the way but Kenyan Caroline Chepkwony surged forward to win in 1 hour 17 minutes and 57 seconds with Nyakisi arriving over two minutes later.
“It was a very bad time. I need to step up and improve,†said Nyakisi.
+Moses Kipsiro retained the MTN Uganda athlete-of- the- year title the night before. He was picked for his success in the season which climaxed with being the best performer at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi, while addressing the athletes at a dinner at Grand Imperial Hotel, advised the athletes to stay focused and disciplined for a bright future.
“You can even become ambassadors of international agencies because of your excellent performances and discipline,†said Bakkabulindi. Kipsiro won himself a trophy and sh1m cash prize.
MTN/UAF Awards
2008 Athlete: Moses Kipsiro
1st runner up: Ben Kiplagat
2nd runner up: A.Chepkirwok
Upcoming: male: Moses Kibet
Female: Doreen Chesang
Top results; Individuals
Men
1 I.Kiprop (UGA) 1:06.51
2 M.Toroitich (UGA) 1:06.53
3 J.Kibet (UGA) 1:07.01
Women
1 C. Chepkeny (KEN)1:17.57
2 A. Nyakisi (UGA) 1:20.13
3 M.Syombuya(KEN) 1:20:27
Teams; men
Uganda 3:21:45
Kenya 3:28:02
Tanzania 3:36:27
Djibouti 3:44:47
Women
Kenya 4:00:53
Uganda 4:10:57
By Norman Katende
ISAAC Kiprop let the final kick do the talking after he beat experienced Martin Toroitich to lead Uganda to team gold in the Eastern Africa half marathon championship that ended at Namboole yesterday.
The duo, together with James Kibet, broke away from the main pack of runners, but had proceed cautiously as Kenyan Boniface Nduwa took the lead with 2km to the finish.
The Ugandans on reaching Kireka sped up to close the gap and by the time they started ascending towards Namboole from the Lugogo bypass, it was clear victory was Uganda’s side, but not sure who of the three would take the lead as they approached the main gate towards gate 6 with 500m to the finish line.
Kibet dropped off, leaving Toroitich and Kiprop go for it head on, until the last 120m when Kiprop broke through to take the gold for both individual and country.
“I saved energy for the final 1km that is why I managed to sprint to the finish,†said Kiprop after winning the race. Toroitich blamed his lack of speed.
“I have worked on my endurance and I have no complaint but my speed is still poor. I only trained three times but will improve before the next international competition,†said Toroitich.
In the women event, Adero Nyakisi led all the way but Kenyan Caroline Chepkwony surged forward to win in 1 hour 17 minutes and 57 seconds with Nyakisi arriving over two minutes later.
“It was a very bad time. I need to step up and improve,†said Nyakisi.
+Moses Kipsiro retained the MTN Uganda athlete-of- the- year title the night before. He was picked for his success in the season which climaxed with being the best performer at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi, while addressing the athletes at a dinner at Grand Imperial Hotel, advised the athletes to stay focused and disciplined for a bright future.
“You can even become ambassadors of international agencies because of your excellent performances and discipline,†said Bakkabulindi. Kipsiro won himself a trophy and sh1m cash prize.
MTN/UAF Awards
2008 Athlete: Moses Kipsiro
1st runner up: Ben Kiplagat
2nd runner up: A.Chepkirwok
Upcoming: male: Moses Kibet
Female: Doreen Chesang