PARKERSBURG - It was a record-breaking day for Kenya's Vicoty Chepngeno, setting a new time of 1:10:18. The 24-year old won the women's' half-marathon in the 33rd News and Sentinel Half Marathon on a sunny Saturday morning.
Chepngeno broke nearly a 10-year old record previously held by Ethiopian Mare Dibaba in 2010, by a mere second. "I did good today, I won the race, but it was not easy, the hills going down. I did good towards the end of the race," Chepngeno said.
Chepngeno's time was eighth-best overall and pace for five minutes and 22 seconds per mile. She won $3,000 for finishing first and an additional $300 for a setting a new course record.
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Photo by Madeline Scarborough
Kenya’s Vicoty Chepngeno breaks the tape to win the women’s portion of the 33rd News and Sentinel Marathon Saturday in Parkersburg. Chepngeno set a new course record with her time of 1:10:18.
It was a four-way race between Chepngeno, Martha Akeno, Areba Damaris and Meseret Merine for the first two miles, however, Chepngeno took the lead and was never close in giving it up.
Pulling away from the competition, going up the ramp at Marrowtown Road near the marker for mile three. "We pushed together around two miles, then I pushed alone. I liked seeing everyone behind me."
Chepngeno passed some male runners during the marathon, passing Julius Kiptoo near Green Hills Country Club in between mile marker five and six on Gihon Road. Chepngeno later passed Samson Mutua and Abraham Kiplagat on mile 10 near West Virginia 95.
Competing in her first half-marathon of the season, this is Chepngeno second time participating in the half marathon, finishing runner-up to Delvine Meringor with a time of 1:13:26.
"This is my first marathon this summer, I do run 10k, 15k. But this is my first half-marathon on the year," Chepngeno said.?
"Last year I learned some experience, today I used that experience."
In second place was fellow Kenyan Aken, with a time of 1:14:20, with a pace of 5:41 a mile. It was Aken's first time running in the half-marathon and will use what she learned this year for next years event.
"This is my first time here, It's been a very tough race for me. Maybe next year, I will try my best to come to it," Akeno said, "The way the course was a little bit difficult, a little bit hilly, up and down. I think I will do better before the end of the season."
Rounding out of the top four was Kenya's Damaris (1:14:10, 5:46, $1,500) and Merine from Ethiopia with a time of 1:17:10, 5:54 per mile and winning a cool $1,000.
It was Damaris first time running the in the event, fine in the first half of the run. Damaris trailed off towards the end, thanks to the heat. "It was so hot, the marathon was not easy in the end, but I try my best at it." Damaris said.
Contact Tyler Bennett at tbennett@newsandsetinel.com.