On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the streets of Nairobi came alive with excitement as elite marathon runners took to the roads for the highly anticipated Nairobi City Marathon. Among the many impressive performances, Eliud Magut and Cynthia Limo stood out as the stars of the day, each claiming victory in their respective categories. Magut, 38, and Limo, 35, displayed a mix of endurance, strategy, and resilience to win the men’s and women’s marathon titles, earning Ksh3.5 million each for their remarkable efforts.
Magut’s Tactical Mastery Earns Him the Men’s Title
Eliud Magut’s triumph in the men’s marathon was a masterclass in race strategy and execution. At the age of 38, Magut’s experience shone through as he patiently trailed behind the early leaders for much of the race, conserving his energy for a strong finish. In the early stages, it was Geoffrey Chirchir who set the pace, leading the pack through the first 30 kilometers, with Magut and Victor Rotich close behind.
However, as the race approached the final stretch, Magut unleashed a powerful surge, overtaking Chirchir and Rotich to secure his victory. Crossing the finish line in 2:09:47, Magut’s perfectly timed push not only secured him the win but also highlighted his exceptional race management skills.
Top 3 Men’s Finishers:
- Eliud Magut – 2:09:47
- Josphat Bett Kipkoech – 2:10:01
- Emmanuel Sikuku – 2:10:05
The top three finishers, all completing the marathon within seconds of each other, delivered a thrilling finale for spectators. Josphat Bett Kipkoech and Emmanuel Sikuku completed the podium, showcasing Kenya’s depth of marathon talent.
Cynthia Limo’s Late Surge Secures Women’s Title
The women’s race was equally exciting, with Cynthia Limo producing a dramatic late surge to claim victory. Limo, 35, faced strong competition throughout the race, with Leah Cheruto, Hellen Chepkorir, and Lilian Chebii setting the early pace. By the 21-kilometer mark, Cheruto had taken the lead, followed closely by Chepkorir and Chebii, while early leader Mercy Kamau had faded from the front pack.
As the marathon approached the 30-kilometer mark, it looked like Cheruto was on course to win. However, Limo had other plans. Running patiently behind the leaders, she conserved her energy for a final push. With 12 kilometers remaining, Limo surged past the leaders, running a solo race to the finish line. Her time of 2:28:02 earned her the women’s marathon title and the Ksh3.5 million prize.
Top 3 Women’s Finishers:
- Cynthia Limo – 2:28:02
- Lilian Chebii – 2:28:29
- Peris Jerono – 2:30:44
Lilian Chebii, who finished second, clocked 2:28:29, just behind Limo, while Peris Jerono secured third place with a time of 2:30:44.
The half marathon event at the Nairobi City Marathon also delivered thrilling performances, with Robert Kiprop and Marion Kibor emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
In the men’s half marathon, Robert Kiprop led the race from start to finish, showcasing his dominance and stamina. He crossed the finish line in 1:00:56, earning himself the top spot. Kiprop was followed closely by Wilson Too, who finished in 1:01:14, and Timothy Kibet, who came in third with a time of 1:01:25.
The women’s half marathon was no less exciting, with Marion Kibor taking home the victory. Kibor clocked 1:08:55, closely followed by Gladys Chepkirui, who finished just seconds later in 1:09:04. Sharon Kiptugen completed the podium with a time of 1:09:22.
Top 3 Half Marathon (Men’s):
- Robert Kiprop – 1:00:56
- Wilson Too – 1:01:14
- Timothy Kibet – 1:01:25
Top 3 Half Marathon (Women’s):
- Marion Kibor – 1:08:55
- Gladys Chepkirui – 1:09:04
- Sharon Kiptugen – 1:09:22
10km Race: Kipkemoi and Kibiwott Take Top Honors
The 10km races provided another layer of excitement, with young talents Amos Kipkemoi and Edinah Kibiwott taking top honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Kipkemoi, 20, delivered a swift performance, finishing in 29:04 to claim the men’s title. Filex Maasai Kibet followed close behind in 29:13, while Gideon Kipng’etich secured third place with a time of 29:16.
In the women’s 10km race, Edinah Kibiwott, 26, led the pack, finishing with a time of 33:25. Fridah Ndinda, 23, took second place with 34:12, and Naomi Tigoi, 21, completed the podium in 34:22.
Top 3 10km (Men’s):
- Amos Kipkemoi – 29:04
- Filex Maasai Kibet – 29:13
- Gideon Kipng’etich – 29:16
Top 3 10km (Women’s):
- Edinah Kibiwott – 33:25
- Fridah Ndinda – 34:12
- Naomi Tigoi – 34:22
Prize Money and Recognition
The Nairobi City Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious running events in Kenya, attracting top athletes from across the country. The total prize pool for the event was substantial, with the winners of the men’s and women’s marathon categories each receiving Ksh3.5 million. The half marathon and 10km races also offered significant rewards, with top finishers recognized for their outstanding performances.
This year’s marathon further highlighted Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running and its deep reservoir of talent. From seasoned veterans like Eliud Magut and Cynthia Limo to emerging stars like Amos Kipkemoi and Edinah Kibiwott, the future of Kenyan athletics looks incredibly bright.
Conclusion: A Day of Triumph and Record-Breaking Performances
The 2024 Nairobi City Marathon will be remembered for its fierce competition, tactical racing, and thrilling finishes. Eliud Magut and Cynthia Limo’s victories, along with standout performances in the half marathon and 10km races, made the event a resounding success. With Ksh3.5 million in prize money and the prestige of being crowned champions, Magut and Limo have solidified their places among Kenya’s top marathon runners.
As the marathon scene in Kenya continues to evolve, the 2024 Nairobi City Marathon once again proved that Kenya remains a global powerhouse in long-distance running, with no shortage of emerging talent ready to take the spotlight.
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