Victory in the forest: Charles Kimeli and Lagat win at innaugural Lari Marathon

By Eric Wainaina

Kiambu Gorvenor William Kabogo flags off the Lari Marathon race at Kereita Forest yesterday. [PHOTO: ERIC WAINAINA]

Upcoming athletes ruled the roost in the innaugural Lari Marathon held at Kereita Forest in Kiambu County, yesterday.

Charles Kimeli from Eldoret clocked 2:30.08 to win the 42km race. He was followed by Victor Kichirchir in 2:31.28, and Moses Mbugua (2:35:32) in that order.

Kimeii, 23, who was taking part in marathon for the first time, said the victory had motivated him to specialise in the race.

“The weather was good as the altitude here is similar to that in Eldoret where I have been training, but the terrain was a bit challenging,” said Kimeli.

“There were a lot of hills and valleys along the course which was challenging to me but I’m glad I won,” he told FeverPitch.

Risper Langat from Embu stopped the click in 2:55.58 to beat Elizabeth Chemweno (3.01.07) and Rosina Kiboino (3.06.13) who finished second and third respectively in the women’s 42km race .

Running in the chilly weather, Langat, who has been training in Embu, said this was her toughest race owing to the hilly terrain.

The marathon winners took home Sh300,000 as second and third placed athletes pocketed Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

The race, which took place inside Kereita Forest, was flagged of by Kiambu County Governor William Kabogo.

Hosea Nailel from Eldoret reigned supreme in the 21km half marathon men’s category, stopping the clock on 67:27.9

Nailel, who has previously been participating in cross country races, said with the win, he is hoping to represent Kenya at international championships.

Robert Wambua timed 67:36.8 to finish second followed by Reuben Maiyo in 67:51.9.

In the women’s 21km race, Pauline Kavekye emerged the winner in 1:20.5. She was followed by Nancy Kimaiyo (1:21.2) and Shelmith Muriuki (1:23:4).

Bernard Muia, a Form Four student at Ndumbi High School in Makueni won the 10km race after timing 32:53. He was followed by Isaac Langat in 32:55 and Patrick Mwaka in 33:02.

After the win, Muia who has been training in Makueni, said he is focusing on representing Kenya in the World Junior Athletics Championships in Canada.

Beatrice Wanjiku won the women’s 10km race after timing 38:27. she was followed by Jane Njeri in 39:32 and Monica Wanjuhi who timed 40:16.

Kabogo, Lari MP Mburu Kahangara and Kiambu nominated Member of County Assembly and World Paralympics Marathon Champion Henry Wanyoike took part in the 5km race, while Kiambu MP Jude Njomo participated in the 10km race.

Mburu said the area was conducive for athletic training and the county should set up a training camp in the area and woo foreign athletes who have been training in various camps in the country.

The event, which was co-sponsored by Capacity Africa and Code Red, entertainment organisation, aimed at conserving Kereita Forest.

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LARI MARATHON results

42KM MEN

1. Charles Kimeli 2.30.04

2. Victor Kipchirchir 2.31.22

3. Moses Mbugua 2.35.32

42 KM WOMEN

1. Risper Lagat 2.55.58

2. Elizabeth Chemweno 3.01.07

3. Rosina Kiboino 3.06.13

21 KM MEN