Kenya’s Keneth Kiprop Renju used experience to snatch the title at the 23rd edition of the Prague Half Marathon that was held on Saturday (2) in Prague, Czech Republic.
The 25 year-old battled for honors in one of the deepest field ever assembled at this course as he battled the top four favorite’s athletes, Philemon Kiplimo the eight fastest athlete in history of 21k, Kennedy Kimutai and Mathew Kimeli.
Renju took off from the group of eight at the last few hundred metres as the race was decided by kicks as the chase for the tape came almost to the wire tape but he was more superior running away with the tape in a time of 59:28 with the race favorite forced to settle in second place five seconds later.
“It was difficult today; the wind was blowing a lot. We took turns with the boys, but it was a fight. I’m glad that after two years I showed a beautiful performance again and I believe that it will be even better. Because I’m trained,” said Renju.
Mathew Kimeli who came to this race with the fourth fastest time on paper closed the podium three finishes in a time of 59:46.
Benard Kimeli, the winner of the last two editions could not manage to appear on the podium finishing in fourth in 59:59.
Weldon Langat Kipkirui and Josphat Chumo Kiptoo finished in fifth and sixth place in a time of 1:00.57 and 1:01.04 respectively.
Africa Cross Country Champion Alfred Barkach, who is the most experienced runner in this field finished in a disappointing seventh place in 1:01.01.
The fifteen years race course record of 58:47 that was set by Atsedu Tsegay from Ethiopia remains standing.
LEADING RESULTS
21KM MEN
- Kenneth Kiprop Renju (KEN) 59:28
- Philemon Kimaiyo Kiplimo (KEN) 59:33
- Mathew Kimeli Kipkorir (KEN) 59:46
- Benard Kimeli (KEN) 59:59
- Weldon Langat Kipkirui (KEN) 1:00.57
- Josphat Chumo Kiptoo (KEN) 1:01.04
- Alfred Barkach Chelal (KEN) 1:01.01
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