体坛英语新闻：Kiprop, Chepkoech win Kenya's stanchart Nairobi marathon

NAIROBI, Oct.28 (Xinhua) -- Elisha Kiprop won this year's Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday, clocking 2:14.19, while debutant Josephine Chepkoech took the women's title after she stopped the clock at 2:33.10.

Kiprop won the 15th edition of the event after three unsuccessful attempts in the past to walk home with 15,000 U.S. dollars for his effort.

"The race was very competitive and I am happy with the time I clocked. Kenyans should expect more from me. I had prepared well for the race knowing that the course had changed. I will be back next year to defend my title," said Kiprop, who won this year's Minnesota Marathon, held in the United States.

The Kenyan made his debut in the event in 2011 where he finished in 11th position before he became runner-up in 2014.

Justus Kiprono came second in a time of 2:15.01 whereas Patrick Kibet settled for third place after he clocked 2:15.09.

Chepkoech, 25, who competed in the event for the first time, said she took the lead at the 36km mark after she shook off her closest rival, Cynthia Jerop, who settled for second place after finishing in a time of 2:34.12 while Joy Kemuma closed the podium finish in a time of 2:34.53.

Over 18,000 participants took part in the race that was held in favorable weather conditions on no heat and little head wind.

The race's proceeds go towards restoring sight in children who suffer from the eye disease of trachoma.

Since the launch of the Seeing is Believing initiative in 2003, sponsors Standard Chartered Bank has raised more than 2.5 million dollars for charity.

Among the programs funded include screening of 6.2 million people, 170,000 surgical interventions, training of over 2,000 health workers and upgrading of more than 10 health facilities around the country.