This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
On a perfect day for running, Andrew Kwemoi and Sheila Chepkirui proved themselves to be the best of the best at the 2019 Standard Chartered Bank Nairobi Half Marathon, held on October 27, 2019.
Andrew Kwemoi, a 20-year-old newcomer from Trans Nzoia, made a stunning debut in the half marathon, taking the lead with three kilometers to go and crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 1 minute, and 51 seconds.
Sheila Chepkirui, a former Africa 5,000m champion and Kenya Defence Forces athlete, also made a strong impression, leaving her teammate Deborah Samum behind at the 19km mark to claim the women's title in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 33 seconds.
When asked about the race, Kwemoi praised the weather and the flat course, but suggested that the organizers could improve the start by keeping elite athletes at a distance from the rest of the pack.
Chepkirui, who had recently won the Durban 10km race in South Africa, expressed her delight at the experience, saying, "I really enjoyed the race and it felt good this being my first half Marathon race."
