Photo : Edith Chelimo cuts tape to win the Women’s 21 Km Lotto Baringo Half Marathon 

Isaac Kipkoech and Edith Chelimo braved the hilly terrain to win the inaugural Lotto Baringo half Marathon.

22 year old Kipkoech who just participated in Toronto half marathon finished with stable 1:02:51 in his first run in such terrain.

The up-and-coming athlete told journalist that despite the unforgiving sunny morning , he was able to clinch the first position.

Jovial Kipkoech who hails from Kericho county recently smashed the Chemosusu Half Marathon in Baringo.

Kipkoech walked away with Sh. 150,000 while Kirui Chesang who scooped the second position with his personal best of 1:03:08 took home Shillings 100,000.

Keneddy Kimengwa finished at fourth position at close time of 1:03:30 at the competitive Lotto Marathon.

Edith Chelimo led the leading pack of women from the starting point in Kabartonjo to the finish line in Kabarnet.

The young athlete who finished second in her previous race in Machakos attributed her best results to intense training she has been doing in Iten.

She trounced her worthy competitor Lucy Cheruiyot who has been a threat to her coveted position one.

‘‘ Despite the undulating terrain and sunny Saturday am happy to finish at the good time of 1:11:02.The race has given me enough confidence in major races which I have prepared myself,’’ said Ms Cheruiyot.

In 10 Kilometer race, wheel chair category, Richard Cherutich, Richard Chepkiyeng and James Chepkong’a finished at first ,second and third position respectively.

The 10 Km women category faired Irene Chebet at position one while first runners up and runners up  position went to Yvonne Chelagat and Judy Cherutich respectively.

Lotto CEO Brian Walucho lauded the initiative saying it has greatly helped nurture budding talents.

He said Lotto foundation is committed towards supporting the communities through organizing such events to give back to the society.