Kibiwott, Chepkirui win Delhi Half Marathon titles

New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) Kenya underlined its domination in the long distance run with Francis Kibiwott clinching the men's title while compatriot Lineth Chepkirui bagged the women's crown in the much-anticipated Hutch Delhi Half Marathon here today.

Kibiwott, now settled in Holland, clocked 1:01:36, improving his previous personal best of 1:01:50, to stave off the challenge from Zimbabwean Cuthbert Nyasngo (1:02:30) and fellow Kenyan John Korir (1:03:16).

Defending champion Philip Rugut finished fourth, clocking 1:03:33.

In the women's section, Chepkirui timed 1:10:40, edging out Ethiopian Erkesso Teriba (1:11:2) and Dire Tune of Kenya who finished third with 1:11:53.

In the Indian section, Ram Singh Yadav (1:06.52) came first in the men's category with a new course record, ahead of Bhairav Singh Lone (1:07:11) and P Nagendra Rao (1:07:25).

In the women's section, Pampa Chanda too created a new course record with 1:21:47 to finish first, followed by Rina Das (1:23:16) and Laishram Devi (1:23:37).

More than 27,000 people, including athletes, students, pensioners and celebrities, braved the heat and ran in world's richest half marathon today.

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