Mutiso strikes gold: Wangari back from maternity to win Imenti South Road race

Monicah wangari, right, leads women pack during the south imenti road race

Christmas came early for Alexander Mutiso from Makueni and Monicah Wangari of Nyahururu after they took to the podium at the hilly and steep 15 km Safaricom South Imenti road race clocking 48:39.2 and 58:04.4 respectively.

The winners had to brave windy conditions in Meru County to prevail against a spirited challenge.

Mutiso showed his intention of taking Sh80,000, the cash prize money on offer after just five kilometres of the race, taking the lead before stretching away from the chasing pack at the 10 kilometre mark.

The 2013 Mombasa 10km road champion Mutiso said he was confident of his form.

"The race started at a very slow pace, that's why I decided to break away early at 5km. This course is very similar to Makueni where I train but a bit windy, that's why it was easy for me to win," he said.

"I'm now focusing on the Athletic Kenya Cross Country series in Machakos on December 20."

Samuel Theuri came in second, clocking 49:08.9 while Embu-based Morris Munene took position three in a time of 49:45.0.

28-year-old Wangari, making a comeback from maternity, waited until the final 12 kilometres to break away from challenger Shelmith Muriuki and home girl Lucy Karimi, who was back in her neighbourhood after winning the Buenos Aires marathon in Argentina.

"This is my first time here in Meru and I'm happy with my performance considering I'm making a comeback from maternity leave. I'm ready for major competitions abroad," said Wangari who took position three at the Sisimua Dam half Marathon.

2014 Buenos Aires marathon Champion Lucy Karimi, competing for the third time in the race, came in third behind Shelmith clocked 58:29.4.

"The 15km is not my race, but I'm always here to represent my county. This course is very hard, you must be really prepared for it. Hopefully I will be the champion next year," said Ngong based Karimu.

The Local Organizing Committee Chairman Kimathi Mutuerandu call on the Athletic Kenya and Mery County Government to help established training camp in the area.

"This area is also one of the high altitude we have just like in Iten the home of champions," said Kimathii.

The event, a brainchild of Athletics Kenya (AK) Eastern Branch Chairman Joseph Kinyua, was graced by Meru County officials and Safaricom Sponsorship Manager Angeline Sonje.