Kenyan long-distance star Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Carolina Chepkoech Kipkirui of Kazakhstan set new course records as they romped to victory in the men’s and women’s categories of the 2023 Okpekpe 10km gold label road race on Saturday in Edo State.
Ebenyo’s mark of 28:28s obliterated the previous record of 28:35s set in 2014 by Teshome Mekonen of Ethiopia, while Kipkirui won the women’s race in 32:38s beating the previous record of 32:41s set in 2014 by Wude Ayalew of Ethiopia.
Kenya was well represented on the podium in the men’s race as Brian Kwemoi posted a time of 28:40s to finish in second place, while defending champion Yasin Haji of Ethiopia settled for third with a time of 29: 34 secs.
Ebenyo and Kipkirui will receive $20,000 each for running under the set target of 28min 35sec for Men and 32mins 41 sec for Women.