Defending champion Philemon Mbaaru has emerged winner in the men’s 42 KM Safaricom Marathon in a time 5:28:8, his fifth time to clinch the title.
Lepakana Margaret finished first in the women’s 42 KM in a time of 6:03:5 beating the defending champion Frida Lodepa who finished at position three in a time of 6:40:4. Njiri Naomi finised second at 6:40:4.
In the men’s 42 KM, Daniel Mbogo, 5:27:1, and Muthuui John, 5:35:5 came in second and third position respectively.
Philemon Kiprono from KWS won 21 KM men’s category at 1:6:00 followed by Kinoti Silas at 1:6:10 and Vincent Raimoi following closely at third position in a time of 1:6:12.
The races that were flagged off by former Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph were also attended by American Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec who participated in the 21KM race symbolizing American support in promoting local talents and Wildlife conservancy projects in Africa.
The Marathon had three categories: 5 KM children fun race, the 21 KM race- which included team races – and the full marathon (42KM).
Funds raised by the marathon are geared towards wildlife conservation and development initiatives in; education, water and sanitation, agriculture and healthcare on Lewa and across the country. Other than communal impact, some of the beneficiaries of the funding go to Northern Range Trust, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and Bongo Surveillance Project in Aberdares.
The 18th edition of Safaricom run in Lewa attracted 1,400 participants from Kenya and beyond. The marathon has grown from a comparatively small event to one of the toughest races and a must-do for marathon enthusiast cutting across East Africa’s most scenic conservancies.
