Jemutai cut the tape in 1:06:30 ahead of two-time Chicago Marathon champion Chepng’etich who clocked 1:07:18.
Kenyan duo of Purity Jemutai and Daniel Ebenyo are the 2023 Istanbul Half Marathon women’s and men’s champions respectively.
The women’s race started off with Ruth Chepng’etich taking the mantle on a high and was keen to replicate her performance that saw her win the 2022 Chicago Marathon and was leading a group of five women.
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As they passed through the 10km mark, Chepng’etich looked to be struggling with what seemed like a muscle cramp. At this time, compatriot Jemutai took the mantle and was now leading the pack while Chepng’etich struggled to cling on.
As they passed through the 16km mark, Jemutai was looking comfortable leading the pack while Chepng’etich still looked uncomfortable but was holding on. After the 18km mark, Chepng’etich seemed to have gotten her composure back and was now looking comfortable taking the mantle.
However, her reign was short-lived as Jemutai charged up to take the lead. She then opened a huge gap between her and Chepng’etich as she sprinted to the finish line.
She cut the tape in 1:06:30 ahead of two-time Chicago Marathon champion Chepng’etich who clocked 1:07:18. Another Kenyan, Evaline Chirchir placed third after clocking 1:07:31.
In the men’s race, a group of 10 strong looking men passed through the 10km mark with Ebenyo and Morocco’s Amghar leading the group. As the men passed the 15km mark, the race was now a show between the Moroccan who seemed to be struggling and Simiu.
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Ebenyo was comfortably resting behind Amghar and was waiting for the right opportunity to unleash the finishing kick. With the finish line in sight, Ebenyo sprinted to the finish line and won the race in 59:52 ahead of Amghar who clocked 59:58.
Ethiopia’s Teklu Haftu sealed the podium in 1:00:03 as pre-race favourite Charles Langat settled for fourth place in 1:00:07.
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