Cynthia Jerop and Peter Mutitu are the winners of the 14th edition of Safaricom Madoka Half Marathon that took place at Ngerenyi Stadium, Wundanyi in Taita Taveta County.
Mutitu won in a time of 1:17.42 followed by Kahora Joseph clocking a time of 1:18.50, third position was Joseph Chenge at 1:19.28.
“It was a tough race especially being my first time in this terrain, even more difficult as the ground was muddy and it was raining, but hard work pays, I thank God.” Said Cynthia Jerop
Cynthia Jerop won the women’s category clocking a time of 1:18.55, followed by Delvine Maringor at 1:19.20. Vaati Naomi was third in time of 1:20.12
The Winners went home with Ksh. 300, 000, second position got Ksh. 150, 000 whilst third positions got Ksh. 100,000. The Marathon also awarded top local athletes with winners walking away with Motorbikes and Ksh. 10,000 each.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive the motorbikes as I do motorbikes repairs and wiring for a living. And I always have to juggle training and my work which is very difficult. I thank God for today and believe if I put in more time, I can do better.” Said Samuel Katuu, 21 km local athlete.
Katuu who finished at 1:34.15 was position 10 overall and best local athlete, men’s category.
This year Safaricom has sponsored 12 long distance races and track and field events under the Safaricom Athletics Series. The races that have taken place include the Henry Wanyoike Road Run, 6th Deaf Half Marathon in Kericho, and National Trials for 1st Africa Deaf Athletics Championships as well as the Iten Road Race. The remaining races in the Safaricom Athletics Series 2019 calendar are the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat cross-country, Imenti and Kisumu road races.