Bernard Kitur

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Bernard Kitur led a field of nearly one thousand contenders for the top spot of this year’s UAP Ndakaini Half Marathon to win the men’s title.

The women’s first position went to Sarah Chepchirchir who was followed closely by Gladys Kipsoi.

Kitur and Chepchirchir pocketed Sh150,000. Kitur posted a time of 1:04.47, and a split second later Leonard Koech passed the finish tape right on his heels with a time of 1:04.48.

Chepchirchir clocked 1:14.35 at the finish line with Kipsoi coming in second timing 1:16.02. Caroline Cheptanui Kirer was third with a time of 1:17.31.

Running in sweltering heat, with temperatures reaching 25 degrees centigrade, Kitur and Chepchirchir weathered the hilly Ndakaini terrain around the 21km course which sits at a high altitude of 2040m above sea level.

The men’s third position went to Kirui Chepsang who clocked a time of 1:01.17.

In the 10km race, James Mwangi emerged first by posting 29:45.60 followed by Ezekiel Kosgei with 29.52.40 and Amos Keptich in third place at 29.57.70.

Other top ten women finishers were Eunice Mumbua, Ruth Matebo, Janet Rono, Elizabeth Chemweno, Lilian Ruto, Hellen Cherono and Emily Samoei in positions fourth to tenth respectively.

The annual UAP Ndakaini Half Marathon has been held for ten years in a row to raise funds for conserving the Ndakaini Dam, a water reservoir that benefits more than 4 million people.

Speaking at the awards presentation ceremony, UAP Insurance Managing Director James Wambugu lauded the various corporate organisations and record breaking 4,000 individuals who turned up to participate in the event.

“It is only when you see the Ndakaini Dam, which the half marathon route courses around, that you begin to appreciate this great physical resource. Water continues to be a scarce resource. But for all of us to live healthy lives we need to look at and use water in a sustainable way so that our children benefit from it,” he added.

Other men athletes in top ten were Peter Matelong in fifth position, Ismael John, Hosea Nailei, David Lagat, Enock Kipchirchir, Kaniu Wanjiku and CharlesKimeli.     

–oyugi@standardmedia.co.ke