Kwamesa, Toroitich win 4th edition of Safaricom deaf half marathon

Peter Toroitich from Pokot County beat Triple Deaflympics champion and world record holder in the 5,000m Simon Kibai Cherono to be crowned the winner of this year’s 4^th Edition of the Safaricom Deaf Half Marathon held yesterday at the Meru National Polytechnic.

Toroitich clocked 1:11:02 edging out Simon Kibai who came in second in a time of 1:11:24 as Daniel Kiptum sealed the podium finish in an impressive time of 1:12:18.

Toroitich who finished number three in the 3^rd Edition of the marathon held in Bomet County last year was well poised to take the bragging rights as he stayed in the leading pack for the first 6km leading a strong team of contenders that included Simon Kibai, Daniel Kiptum, David Njeru and Martin Gachie.

Speaking after finishing the race, Toroitich  said “Today’s race was very important for me and I believe for the rest of the athletes here as it will help us to prepare for the National Deaflympic trials scheduled to take place later this month. I have hope that I will be selected to represent the country in the upcoming deaf champions next month”, he said.

In the 21km women category, Juster Kwamesa romped to the finish line in a time of 1:46:33, followed by Timiria Barasa clocking 1:98:22 and Deonida Okiago finishing in 2:02:17

The annual event also included the10Km races for both men and women where Lucas Wanjiru won in the men’s category while Naibin Mushitoi won in the women category.

The event saw the winners in the half marathon walking away with Ksh.75, 000, Ksh.65, 000 and Ksh.55, 000 respectively. The winner, 1^st and 2^nd runners up in the 10Km race were awarded in Ksh.30, 000, Ksh.20, 000 and Ksh.10, 000 respectively in cash prizes.

The race which is now in its fourth year also serves as platform opportunity to scout for athletes who will participate in the National Deaf Athletics Championships slated for 23^rd and 24^thMay 2017 in Uasin Gishu.

Title sponsor Safaricom returns to the race for the fourth year, matching last year’s Ksh.5 million sponsorship again this year. As the race has gained more prominence within the DAAK calendar, Safaricom has gradually increased its sponsorship from the Ksh.2 million support given in the race’s first year.

The Safaricom Deaf Half Marathon is the first of 11 races under the 2017 edition of Safaricom Athletics Series.

    MEN 21KM

1. Peter Toroitich – 1:11:02
2. Simon Kibai- 1:11:24
3. Daniel Kiptum- 1:12:18
4. David Njeru- 1:12:32
5. Martin Gachie- 1:14:16
6. Sora Dida- 1:19:31
7. Kioko Musyoki- 1:23:47
8. Lazaro Onyango- 1:30:06

WOMEN 21KM

1. Juster Kwamesa- 1:46:33
2. Timiria Barasa- 1:98:22
3. Deonida Okiago- 2:02:17
4. Mercy Tanui- 2:06:18
5. Electine Aoko- 2:12:58