Meet new marathon stars

By Jonah Onyango

This year’s Lewa Marathon took place at the Lewa Conservancy and the children’s race was dominated by talented local pupils.

The childrens’ category winners at the Safaricom Lewa Marathon display their medals. [Photo:Jonah Onyango]

The Under 14 Girls’ category, was scooped by Sissy Kendi, 14, a Class Eight pupil at Munanda Primary School. Kendi took the first position in her second attempt this year. Last year she took position nine and seems her morning training finally paid off.

Kendi trains in the morning between 7.00-7.50am and 3.00-3.45pm.

“I’m happy for winning this year’s title and I will join the senior category next year,” she said.

“I participated in the 100metres, 12 rounds and 24 laps during the Mbuuri District Schools Championships,” she added.

Sissy took first position after winning the 12 laps race and took positions two and five in 100metres and 24 laps respectively during the schools’ event last month.

Her role model is Catherine Ndereba because she is focussed and always aims to win.

In the boys category, Michael Kolwa, 13, a Class Seven at Lewa Downs Primary School scooped the boys’ title.

“My secret for winning this year’s five Kilometre race is the morining and evening run for 21km from home to school and back,” Kolwa said.

Kolwa hopes to get sponsorship from well-wishers so that he can stop being a farm hand to concentrate on education.

He thanked the organisers of the event for offering him opportunity to explore his talent and also for donating educational equipments.