The Kenyans today retained their titles in the second edition of Cochin International Half Marathon in both the Men's and Women's sections. Both the runners broke their own course records. In men's event, Bernard Kipyego won the race by crossing the finish line in 62.38 minutes, 18 seconds faster than his own time of 62.56, set last year. In the women's event, Helah Kiprop won the race in 71.40 minutes, 14 seconds faster than her time of 71.54 minutes set last year. In the Indian men's category, G Lakshmanan also emulated the Kenyans, defending his crown with a finish time of 65.49 minutes, more than a minute lower than his last year's winning time of 64.37 minutes. Gopi T was second clocking 66.13 minutes, while Kheta Ram took bronze with a time of 66.16 minutes. The Indian woman's category saw a new champion in debutant O P Jaisha, who took gold with a timing of 75.53 minutes. Her time is the all-time best among Indian women in the half marathon in the last two years. She was followed by Lalita Babar, a three-time winner of the Mumbai Marathon, who clocked 77.28 minutes. While Kenyans Kipyego and Helah won 5500 US Dollars for their efforts, they were also rewarded with a course record bonus of 1500 US Dollars each. Both Jaisha and Babar took home Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh each, and will also stand to gain One lakh rupees for finishing below 78 minutes. A total of 18 international athletes and 39 professional runners from India participated in the race. In the celebrity run, brand ambassador of the event, superstar Mohanlal lifted the spirits of the crowds. The whole event was witnessed by thousands of people who had lined up the streets of Kochi to cheer the runners and the celebrities.