Daniel Muindi and Delvine Relin Meringor are the new champions of the 13thedition of Safaricom-Madoka Half Marathon held on Mashujaa Day at Ngerenyi, Taita Taveta County.
Muindi clocked 1:06.04 to beat Stephen Mwendwa and George Njoroge who finished second and third in a time of 1:06.56 and 1:06:67 respectively in the men’s 21Km race.
“This is a big boost for my career and I thank God. The route was good having run on the same before. I trained hard and was determined to win the race. I am preparing to participate in Bucaramanga Half Marathon in Colombia next week and hope to get good results,” said Daniel Muindi, Winner of the 21 Km men.
Meringor who participated in the race for her first time crossed the finish line at 1.16.10 ahead of Lydia Njeri who came in second at 1.18.07 followed closely by Esther Chesang at 1.19.46 in the women’s 21Km race.
“The race was tough due to hot weather and stiff competition. Being my first time here, I’m glad I won. I am looking forward to defending my title next year,” said Delvine Meringor winner 21Km women.
In the 10KM race, James Mwadime won in the men’s category crossing the finish line in time of 32:38:52. He was followed closely by Gift Bahati in time of 32:41:26 and Mwamburi Jackson in time of 32:49: 67.
Lucy Mwende won the 10KM women’s category finishing at 50:46:83 followed by Ann Ali at 50:49:96 and Monica Mwende at 51:20:59.
Muindi and Meringor each went home with a cash prize of KES 500, 000 while the first and second runners-up in both categories pocketed KES 250,000 and KES 100,000 respectively.
The marathon comprised of seven categories; 21Km both men and women, 10Km for juniors, 8Km for men over 45years, 8km for women over 35years, 6Km for boys under 12years, 4Km for girls under 12years and Corporate races.
The event was attended by among other dignitaries, the Governor of Taita Taveta County Granton Samboja who launched the Ngerenyi High Altitude Training Center during the event, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei and the marathon patron Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka.