The 2024 Nairobi City Marathon witnessed thrilling performances as debutants Eliud Magut and Cynthia Jerotich made an immediate impact by securing stunning victories in the men’s and women’s 42km races, respectively.
With elite athleticism on display, the marathon solidified itself as one of Kenya’s premier sporting events, drawing top talent and making headlines across the country.
Eliud Magut, competing in his first-ever Nairobi City Marathon, clocked an impressive 2:09:47 to claim the men’s 42km title, edging out experienced runners Josphat Bett (2:10:01) and Emmanuel Sikuku (2:10:05) in a closely contested race.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Jerotich stunned the competition by crossing the finish line in 2:28:02 to take the women’s crown, outperforming fellow athletes Lilian Jepkorir (2:28:29) and Peris Jerono (2:30:43). Their performances set a high standard for the marathon, and both winners are already looking forward to their future endeavors.
This thrilling marathon, filled with excitement, is an event that not only showcased world-class athletes but also drew attention from sports bettors in Kenya, especially on platforms like JamboBet is the best betting site in Kenya. The presence of top athletes in marathons like this provides exciting opportunities for those who enjoy engaging with sports betting.
Eliud Magut’s Stellar Marathon Debut
At 38, Eliud Magut’s triumph at the Nairobi City Marathon is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and rigorous training. Hailing from Kaptagat, Magut spent months preparing for this race under the guidance of coach Nicholas Chemgos. The intense preparation paid off, with Magut executing a flawless race strategy that saw him pull ahead of the pack in the final stretch.
Magut’s victory was a hard-fought one, as he faced stiff competition from seasoned runners. Josphat Bett, a former bronze medalist at the 2014 Africa Championships, finished just seconds behind him, clocking in at 2:10:01, followed by Emmanuel Sikuku in third with a time of 2:10:05. Despite the challenging weather conditions and strong competition, Magut emerged victorious, claiming not only the title but also a cash prize of KSh 3.5 million.
“I’ve trained hard for this, and I’m grateful for the result. This was my first time running in Nairobi, and I’m thrilled to have won,” said Magut. His win marks the beginning of a promising marathon career, and he has already hinted at his intention to return next year to defend his crown.
Magut plans to invest his winnings wisely, stating, “I want to use this money to secure long-term benefits for myself and my family.” His victory has inspired many aspiring runners, showing that with determination and hard work, anything is possible, even when competing at an elite level.
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Cynthia Jerotich’s Unexpected Victory
In the women’s 42km race, Cynthia Jerotich delivered a performance that surprised even herself. Jerotich, who trains in Iten, crossed the finish line in 2:28:02, a time that surpassed her expectations and cemented her status as a top contender in the marathon world.
Her victory came despite facing stiff competition from Lilian Jepkorir (2:28:29) and Peris Jerono (2:30:43), both of whom are seasoned marathoners.
“I had prepared well for this race, but I didn’t expect to win. I thank God for enabling me to secure this victory,” said Jerotich after the race. Her humility and dedication to her craft have made her an inspiring figure in Kenyan athletics.
Jerotich’s sights are now set on the Honolulu Marathon in December, where she hopes to continue her winning streak. She plans to focus on improving her speed and endurance in the lead-up to the Hawaii-based race. “I will focus more on speed and hill work to ensure I’m in top form for Honolulu,” she noted.
The prize money from the Nairobi City Marathon will also allow Jerotich to invest in her future. “I will use the money to build a home and invest it in business ventures,” she said, showcasing her forward-thinking approach to financial stability.
Half Marathon Champions: Robert Kiprop and Marion Kibor
The Nairobi City Marathon also featured competitive half marathon events, with Robert Kiprop and Marion Kibor emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s 21km races, respectively. Kiprop clocked an impressive time of 1:00:56 to take the men’s title, ahead of Wilson Too (1:01:14) and Timothy Kibet (1:01:25).
“I was coming to try my luck, and I’m glad I was successful. The course is good, and I enjoyed the race,” said Kiprop after his win. His performance solidifies his status as one of Kenya’s top long-distance runners, and fans are eager to see where his career will take him next.
On the women’s side, Marion Kibor delivered a stellar performance, winning the 21km race in 1:08:55. She edged out Gladys Chepkurui, who finished just nine seconds behind her with a time of 1:09:04. Sharon Kiptugen rounded out the podium in third with a time of 1:09:27.
Kibor, who also won the Stockholm Marathon earlier this year, said the Nairobi City Marathon was crucial in preparing her for future events. “I competed at the Stockholm Marathon in June and won, and now I’ve won the Nairobi Half Marathon. These two races are important for my build-up to the Amsterdam Marathon,” she said.
The Growing Popularity of the Nairobi City Marathon
The Nairobi City Marathon is fast becoming one of the most prestigious marathons in Kenya, attracting elite athletes from across the country. The 2024 edition was a showcase of both talent and determination, with thrilling finishes and memorable performances from both seasoned runners and newcomers alike.
As the marathon grows in popularity, so too does the interest from sports bettors, particularly on platforms like JamboBet. For those who enjoy betting on live sports events, JamboBet provides a user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and a variety of markets to choose from. With races like the Nairobi City Marathon offering exciting betting opportunities, it’s no surprise that JamboBet is regarded as the best betting site in Kenya.
