Seasoned Kemboi floors 98 to win Kakamega Marathon
By Fredrick Likuyani, December 2, 2019
Mathew Kemboi from Elgeyo Marakwet was crowned as the champion of Fifth edition of Kakamega Forest Marathon after beating a stiff competition of other 98 competitors in a closely contested race that was held on Saturday in Shinyalu Constituency.
Fresh from being crowned as Venice Marathon champion in Italy Judith Korir who also finished in the eighth position last year clocked 2:44:52 to emerge victorious in women’s category after she ran tactfully to beat a pack of 32 other opponents.
“Kemboi who participated in Grass Marathon in Italy this year and won it registered a 2:19:38 to cross the line ahead of Josebert Bowen who clocked 2:19:53 to win a silver while Henry Kiprop also from Elgeyo Marakwet finished third clocking 2:19:58.
Unique marathon
“I am looking forward to defending my title next year and also break the record of this unique marathon that is the only one across the world being run inside the forest and with time it will become an international race,’’ said Kemboi.
In the women’s category Jackeline Atudonyang’ also from Elgeyo Marakwet clocked 2:45:56 to finish second with Agnes Jeruto from Nandi finishing third in a time of 2:46:37.
Other results were as follows, 21Kms male, Charles Yobei 1:04:55, Noah Kepkemboi 1:05:10, Abednego Cheruiyot 1:05:22, Women 21Kms, Vivian Chepkurui 1:16:23, Naomi Jebet 1:16:28, Agnes Keino 1:16:40.
The winners 42km were rewarded by a cash prize of Sh500, 000, while runners up pocketed Sh250, 000 with second runner up receiving Sh130, 000 from the sponsors of the event Kakamega Forest Heritage.
Former vice president Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka was the chief guest assisted by Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amina Mohamed among others.