Commonwealth 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu and Evelyn Chirchir coasted to victory in the Standard Chartered Half Marathon held on Sunday in Nairobi.
Simiu who has amassed quite some experience on the track and road races timed 1:01:09, finishing ahead of Isaiah Lasoi who clocked 1:01:43. Samuel Kiplimo came in third after crossing the line in 1:01:50.
Chirchir on the other hand cut the tape in 1:09:58 while under pressure from Nelly Jeptoo who stopped the clock after 1:10:40. Edith Cherop won bronze in the women’s category.
Simiu who specializes in 10k and 5k races on the track as well as in the road, said teamwork played a massive role in delivering the win in his half marathon debut.
“I am glad that I have won the half marathon race in my first attempt. Running shoulder to shoulder with my training mate was a source of motivation. We were talking throughout the race. The preparation were not as good as I wanted as I battled a flu two weeks ago but I am happy I have won,” he said.
Simiu who represented the country in the World Athletics Championships held in Oregon said he would build on the win achieved in the streets of the capital as he seeks to race both in the 10,000 and 5,000m in next year’s global championships.
The 2023 World Athletics Championships will be held in Budapest, Hungary between August 19-27.
“I am happy I have began my season on a positive note. I will look to participate in another half marathon before the year ends. Hopefully, by early next year, I will be in good shape for I want to do a double in Budapest,” he added.
