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The Kenyan runners will be among a host of athletes from East Africa billed to claim top honours in the Turkish capital on Sunday
Two-time Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich and Barcelona Half Marathon champion Charles Langat will on Sunday, April 30 lead a stellar cast for the Istanbul Half Marathon at 10am EAT.
Chepng’etich returns to Istanbul having mastered the course after winning three titles in the Turkish capital. She won the 2017, 2019 and 2021 crowns and goes back to hunt for her fourth victory.
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16:15 - 31.03.2023
ATHLETICS How Catherine Ndereba inspired Ruth Chepng’etich into athletics
She revealed that she will be competing at the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon on April 30.
The 28-year-old has had a great start to her season that saw her successfully defend her Nagoya Marathon title. She also emerged champion in the women’s senior race at the National Cross-Country Championships and she will be keen to maintain the winning streak.
However, Ethiopia’s Bosena Mulatie, her closest challenger, will be hoping to stop her. Mulatie lines up with a Personal Best (PB) of 1:05:46 and is yet to win a half marathon in her career. She comes into the race on the back of a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and will be looking for redemption.
Another Ethiopian Ftaw Zeray will also be looking for a win as she lines up for the highly-contested race. She managed third-place finishes at the Prague and the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathons earlier in the season.
Another Kenyan, Evaline Chirchir, who will be lining up with a PB of 1:06:01, is also one to watch.
In the men’s race, Langat will be leading a group of six men who have produced fast times below one hour. Langat lines up with a PB of 58:53 and will be seeking for top honours in his fourth half marathon.
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10:43 - 17.02.2023
ATHLETICS Ruth Chepng'etich confirmed for Nagoya Marathon in March
Chepng'etich is also the 2019 World Marathon champion and the 2018 Istanbul Marathon champion.
So far, the 27-year-old has only competed in three marathons and emerged champion in two editions. He will be up against compatriot Daniel Simiu who is a worthy opponent as well.
Simiu is the second fastest in the field with a PB of 59:04. He kickstarted his season at the World Cross-Country Championships where he settled for sixth place in the men’s senior race.
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09:05 - 19.02.2023
ATHLETICS Charles Langat, Irene Kimais bag wins as Kenyans reign supreme at Barcelona Half Marathon
The Barcelona Half Marathon was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Other athletes to watch out for include; Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu (59:06), Kenyan trio Vincent Kipkemoi (59:09), Josphat Kemei (59:32) and Benard Biwott (59:44). Morocco’s Hicham Amghar (59:53) will also be in the race, seeking for top honours.
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