By Erick Ochieng’

Unbridled joy lit the exhausted faces of Geoffrey Kipruto Mutai and Helah Jelagat after topping quality men and women’s fields during the second edition of the Sotokoto Safari Marathon.

Mutai was making his maiden appearance at the event while Jelagat rose from her fifth placing last year to soar to the top prize yesterday.

"This victory, coming against my village mate and defending champion (David) Tarus has brought me so much happiness. I now look forward to racing at international half marathons with confidence," said Mutai shortly after appending his name to the millionaires club with Sh1.2m for his victory.

The 29-year-old who hails from Koibatek gave credit to Kapng’etuny Training Camp in Uasin Gishu where he holds build up for races.

Splendid weather

"At first I was hesitant I would edge out Tarus from the title but I became sure on the 19km. Perhaps what boosted me was the splendid weather," added Mutai who has had half marathon stints in Malasyia.

Though he failed to successfully defend his title, Tarus was in high spirits admitting the better runner on the day deserved the victory.

"I was so close and then he (Mutai) broke loose after 19km and that was when I realised I have lost it," the deposed champion told reporters.

He explained that his title defence was derailed owing to the faster course as compared to last year’s hilly route.

"Mutai has a personal best of 59:00 and that means he is faster over a relatively flat course and therefore, catching up with him was a difficult task," Tarus said.

In the women race, despite shooting to the lead from the fifth kilometre, Jelagat realised the race was hers for the taking at the very last 1,000m with the finish in sight.

"I was trying my luck when I surged ahead on the fifth kilometre but it was only at 20km that I was sure victory was mine.

"I’m so delighted with this victory and it gives me confidence I can aim for bigger events. Having such events at home where runners get to earn decent money motivates us to aim for excellence," the athlete who dethroned World Half Marathon silver winner, Philes Ongori from the Sotokoto throne told reporters.

She now flies to Morocco next week for a half marathon in Rabat, buoyed by her brilliant front running display.