Kenyans dominate women’s half again

PARKERSBURG—Kenyans continued their recent domination at the 23rd News and Sentinel Half Marathon as 27-year old Hellen Jemutai outkicked country-woman Divina Jepkogei down the stretch on Market Street to win in a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 57 seconds.


“Today was a very good day for me,” explained Jemutai, who trains with Jepkogei in Chapel Hill, N.C. “We usually beat one another during the year. Today was my day.”


The victory marked the third year in a row that the top prize of $3,000 and the title of Road Runners Club of America national champion went to a runner from Kenya. Sharon Cherop broke a four-year stranglehold on the title by runners from Russia with her win in 2007 (1:12:26) while Angelina Mutuku made it two-in-a-row last August with a victory in 1:12:48.


Saturday’s showdown wasn’t decided until late, however.


A group of six, which included Jemutai, Jepkogei, Alemtsehay Misganaw, Frashiah Waithaka, Phobe Ko and Maria Busienei, ran neck-and-neck over the 13.1-mile course’s first five miles.


By the time the group reached the rolling hills on Gihon Road, Ko, who was the top American finisher a year ago, had dropped off the pace, but the remaining five continued to battle.


A battle that would continue as Gihon Road changed into Rayon Drive. By the time the group reached the seven-mile mark (40:52), the pack had lost a second member—Busienei, who was a third-place finisher in 2007.


As mile seven turned into mile 10, the pack thinned again as Waithaka found the pace too tough. But the trio of Jemutai, Jepkogei and Misganaw was running strong and appeared to be locked in a three-way battle for the crown.


A three-way battle that was sliced again by the course’s toughest hill—13th Street Hill.


As the group approached the sharp incline, Jemutai made a move to the front, followed by the 24-year old Jepkogei. Misganaw, who placed fifth last year, failed to answer the charge and would not be able to recover.


Coming down the slope, Jemutai continued her advantage and as she picked up the pace, Jepkogei stayed within striking distance, but could never really challenge as the duo came to the Market Street finish line.


“I knew that she (Devina) was right there, but I could tell that I was running very well and that she would not be able to catch me,” Jemutai said.


Jemutai becomes the fourth different runner to claim the national championship. Russian Alevtina Ivanova captured the title in 2004 and 2006.


“I am very happy,” said Jemutai. “The course is very nice. I liked all of the people cheering and the water stops were very nice also.”


Finishing second in a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 58 seconds was Jepkogei while Misganaw crossed the line in third (1:16:26). Rounding out the top five were Waithaka (1:16:57) and Ko (1:17:43).