NAIROBI, Kenya, July 6, 2025 – After announcing herself with a commanding debut victory at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, Nelvin Jepkemboi reckons she has what it takes to dominate the women’s half marathon.
Jepkemboi produced a decisive kick to claim the title, clocking 1:09:25 ahead of Millicent Jelimo (1:09:36) and Emily Chebet (1:10:19) who finished second and third respectively.
Jepkemboi, traditionally a 5,000m and 10,000m runner, noted that she decided to participate in the race after doing sufficient long runs in training.
”I have been doing long runs, I have not been doing training for the track so I decided to come today and run the Half Marathon as a tempo run and I emerged victorious,” the Lille 10km champion said.
Jepkemboi credited her training partner, marathon great and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, for playing a pivotal role in her preparation.
”I thank Brigid Kosgei for her guidance in my training, she has played a big role in my build up for this race today,” she added.
Despite being her first outing over 21km, Jepkemboi showed poise beyond her years.
”I had the strength to push on. This was my first half marathon and it was a great experience,” she noted.
With her victory, Jepkemboi reckons she has a bright future over 21km.
”I see I have a good future in the Half Marathon because I was able to run a good time in my debut which is a huge plus for me,” she noted.
Runner-up Jelimo, who trains in Kapsabet, was proud of her progression after finishing fifth at last year’s edition.
”I ran last year and finished fifth and decided to do more speed work for this year’s edition.”
Another delightful debut
In the men’s race, Evans Kipchumba also made a sparkling debut at the Nairobi City Marathon, clinching the crown in 1:01:20.
He edged out Stephen Kimutai by a second (1:01:21), with Nahason Kipsang completing the podium in 1:01:32.
”This was my first race at the Nairobi City Marathon and I am glad I was able to win,” Kipchumba said.
Reflecting on the race, Kipchumba noted that he trusted his finishing kick in the final stretch to the line.
”The race was good, the only challenge was the weather. I knew I had the finishing kick and I was ready for,” he said.
For Kimutai, the runner-up finish marked a career breakthrough.
”This is my first race to make the podium, I have been making the top 10 in my previous races and now to make the podium is a huge bonus,” he noted.
