Josephat Bett and Brilliant Kipkoech win Beyond Zero Half Marathon

The first Lady Magaret Kenyatta (centre) took part in today's event [Courtesy]

Josephat Bett and Brilliant Kipkoech are the winners of the Beyond Zero Half Marathon that took place in Nairobi on Sunday where thousands of athletes and dignitaries took part.

Josephat Bett won the men's race category in 01:01:34 while Brilliant Kipkoech crossed the finish line in 1:07:02.

Josephat Bett wins the marathon [Courtesy]

The marathon, which was sponsored by Safaricom, an initiative of First Lady Margaret Kenyatta which aims at curbing maternal deaths and child mortality, kicked off at 6:00 am at the new-look Nyayo National Stadium today. 

It was attended by prominent personalities among them DP William Ruto, Sports CS Amina Mohamed, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Besalegn, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge.

Team Makueni was also represented by their Governor Kivutha Kibwana [Courtesy]

Former Ethiopia Prime Minister Gabremariam Besalegn was in attendance [Courtesy]

The event, which attracted more than 50,000 participants, was divided into several categories including 21 km half marathon, 10 km marathon and corporate race, five-kilometre race and two-kilometre for pregnant women as well as Paralympic race for T11, T12 and T13

The First Lady took part in the 10 km race and made it to the finishing line where she was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta while the other participants cheered on. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta embraces the First Lady at the finish line [Courtesy]

 

DP William Ruto also showcased his athletic skills by participating in the 21 km race.

DP Dr William Ruto took part in the race and finished [Courtesy]

  

The Paralympians debuted the event with the 21 km wheelchair/tri-cycle race which was officially flagged off by the First Lady.

The Paralympians debuted in this year's race [Courtesy]

The first three participants to cross the finishing line in the half marathon will walk away with Sh250,000, Sh125,000 and Sh75,000 respectively while the 10km race top three finishers will get Sh100,000, Sh60,000 and Sh40,000 respectively.