Kenya’s Vibian Chepkirui defended her title in style at the 38th edition of the Vienna City Marathon that was held on April (24) in Vienna, Austria.
The 27 year-old who failed to lower the course record last year when she took the honors, executed her pace well this year to erase the old course record of 2:22.12 that was set by Nancy Kiprop in 2019.
Chepkirui who had traveling challenges last year, took charge of the race at the 10k mark with a split time of 33:11 which pointed to a 2:20 finishing time. She was six seconds ahead of fellow-compatriots Ruth Chebitok and Viola Yator.
Chepkirui wasn’t able to keep the pace due her husband, Wesley Kangongo who had an issue with his shoe lace but he managed to push her back to course time.
The 2018 Gold Coast Airport Marathon champion, Ruth Chebitok, who is one of our biggest and loyal fun increased her pace leaving behind Viola Yator and playing a rabbit role behind the defending champion.
Chepkirui stayed calm from 35km mark until around one kilometer to go when she stepped on the gas pedal leaving Chebitok gasping for air and setting a new course record and a personal best of 2:20.59.
“I am very happy to have won with a course time here in Vienna. I will come back next year and my goal will be to run under sub to 2:18,” Chepkirui concluded.
Chepkirui led 1-2-3 Kenyan podium finish as she was followed by Chebitok who crossed the line in second place with a life time best of 2:20.59 with Sheila Jerotich closing the podium three finishes in a time of 2:23.01.
Ethiopia’s Urge Diro Soboka and Caroline Kilel came home in fourth and fifth place in a time of 2:27.13 and 2:29.29 respectively.
LEADING RESULTS
42KM WOMEN
Vibian Chepkirui KEN 2:20.59
- Ruth Chebitok (KEN) 2:21.03
- Sheila Jerotich (KEN) 2:23.01
- Urge Soboka (ETH) 2:27.13
- Caroline Kilel (KEN) 2:29.29
- Viola Yator (KEN) 2:30.40
- Teresiah Omosa (KEN) 2:31.44
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