Africa-Press – Kenya. The second edition of the Kapsowar Girls Charity 10km road race this Saturday is expected to produce a new winner after defending champions Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Feliciana Jepkosgei pulled out due to other commitments.
Kipkorir, who is the Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medalist, and Jepkosgei are in Zurich after featuring in the Diamond League. Last year, Kimeli beat Jacob Krop to second place while Jepkosgei clocked 32:42.03 ahead of Jesca Chelang’at (32:42.19).
In the secondary school cadre, Pamela Kosgei and Brian Kirui won the girls and boys categories. Both Kimeli and Jepkosgei confirmed they will not be running in Kapsowar.
“I wish I could defend my title but this time, I will be so engaged in another assignment,” said Kimeli. Like Kimeli, Jepkosgei also confirmed she will not be running.
Kapsowar Girls’ principal Joan Too said preparations are in top gear ahead of the race. “We hope we can attract more runners compared to the inaugural race last year,” she said.
Too added: “We have all it takes to host the race now that many athletes and Kenyans know that it is for the good course.”
The race will feature 10km for elite athletes and 5km will be special for students, specifically those in a secondary school. There will also be a 2km race for corporate.
Winners in the 10km (both men and women) will pocket Sh80,000. “I want this race to be one of the best in the country because we run with a purpose.
“We are also using the race to plant more trees in our school compound and improve on education scholarships from last year’s 15.
“We have reached out to many sponsors who have come on board for this noble idea,” she said.
The 10km race will start at the Cheptengei area, ending at the school compound.
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