Sophy Jepchirchir and Geoffrey Birgen set new course records in Bali

Kenya’s Sophy Jepchirchir set a new course record as she took the top honors under extreme hot conditions at the 12th edition of the Maybank Marathon held on Sunday (27) in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia.

Jepchirchir who was making her debut over the distance took the top honors in a new course record and personal best time of  2:31.03.

Jepchirchir led a 1-2-3 Kenyan podium finish as she was followed by Truphena Chepchirchir who came home over four minutes later in 2:35.41 with Martha Akeno wrapping up the podium three finishes in 2:36.46.

Kenya’s Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang and India’s Chaltu Negashu finished in fourth and fifth place in respective time of 2:43.28.

In the Men’s category Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen led Kenyans as they took the top nine places when he also crushed the old course record of 2:28.00 with a new time of 2:15.03. He was followed by Kiprop Tonui in 2:15.25 with Isaac Kipkoech Cheluko closing the podium three finishes in 2:16.32.

LEADING RESULTS

42KM WOMEN

1. Sophy Jepchirchir                (KEN) 2:31.03
2. Truphena Chepchirchir      (KEN) 2:35.41
3. Martha Akeno                       (KEN) 2:36.46
4. Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang  (KEN) 2:39.46
5. Chaltu Negashu                   (IND) 2:43.28

42KM MEN

1. Geoffrey Kiprotich Birgen    (KEN)  2:15.03
2. Kiprop Tonui                          (KEN)  2:15.25
3. Isaac Kipkech Cheluko        (KEN)  2:16.32
4. Anderson Saitoti Seroi         (KEN) 2:16.39
5. Julius Ochieng                        (KEN) 2:16.42
6. Enos Kales Kakopil               (KEN)  2:18.29
7. Joseph Mwangi Ngare          (KEN)  2:19.42
8. Kiprotich Felix Kirui            (KEN)  2:20.29
9. Kenneth Mburu Mungara     (KEN) 2:21.35