NAIROBI, Kenya, July 6, 2025 – Benson Murkomen says failure to make the podium in 2023 inspired him to victory at the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday morning.
Murkomen admits it was a disastrous debut for him, two years ago, but is nonetheless happy to have atoned for it.
“I made my debut here two years ago and failed to make the podium. I finished eighth…this time I was determined to make things right,” the Iten-based athlete said.
Murkomen clocked 2:08:36 to win the men’s 42km, ahead of Justus Limo who ran 2:08:42 to finish second – in what was a tightly contested race.
Albert Kangogo took third in 2:09:06.
Murkomen said his eyes were always peeled out to make the right move at the right time.
“It was all about bidding my time until the 28km mark when I thought to make my move because my body had responded well. However, the other competitors were also in rich vein and so I had to remain alert. Even at the 35km mark, you can’t switch off the concentration levels,” the 30-year-old said.
With Ksh 3.5 million secure in the bag, Murkomen will now shift focus to other upcoming road races, to be organised by his management team.
Chepkemoi’s redemption
It was also a day of redemption for Emily Chepkemoi who recovered from a heartbreaking experience in 2022 to win the women’s 42km.
She clocked 2:25:45 to cut the tape, as Vivian Jerotich (2:26:31) and Lucy Chelele (2:26:35) came second and third respectively.
“In 2022, I competed in this same race but I did not finish because I fell midway through the competition and injured my leg. This time, I was well prepared and I am very grateful to God that all that hard work in training has paid off this morning,” she said.
It was never going to be a walk in the park though for the winner, who had to battle a stitch after 30km but nonetheless soldiered on in pursuit of glory.
“It wasn’t easy because of the stitch at the 30km mark. Nonetheless, I was determined to avoid a repeat of 2022 and fought on well to the end. The course was also good,” Chepkemoi said.
