Marathon: Stars to battle in Mombasa race tomorrow

MOMBASA-SAFARICOM INTERNATIONAL MARATHON; MOMBASA-SAFARICOM INTERNATIONAL MARATHON;Nancy Jebet from Eldoret,addresses the media at the treasury square in Mombasa County on Sunday,025th September,2016. She was lady winner in 42 Kms during the 2016 Safaricom Mombasa International Marathon.PHOTO BY MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD

Great action is expected when the Mombasa International marathon gets underway tomorrow.

Dimmy Kisalu, the Athletics Kenya vice treasurer, said Safaricom provider has injected Sh2m sponsorship.

“The race will start and end at the Treasury Square and runners will run through historical sites such as Ivory tusks, Moi Avenue and Mama Ngina Drive,” said Kisalu, who is also the chairman of AK Coast branch.

He confirmed that defending 42km champions Paul Maina and Nancy Jebet will be back for another shot at their titles.

Maina need to be at his best as he goes up against former champion De Clerk Omari, who has also confirmed his participation.

Maina will be out to improve his 2:12.13 mark he set last year while Jebet strives to better her 2:40.01.

Joshua Kipkorir won the 10km contest in 32.16 while Iten-based Nancy Jepkosgei targets a hat trick  and improve on her 38.28 best time.

“We expect elite marathoners in the Mombasa race as most of them will use the event to prepare for Madoka half marathon set for Wundanyi on October 21 at Ngerenyi Farmers Training College in Taita Taveta County,” said Kisalu. He said men’s and women’s 42km winners receive Sh400, 000.

Second and third finishers take home Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 and the prize money trickles down to the tenth finisher.

“We shall also have a 10km race where winners will pocket Sh40, 000,” said Kisalu. [Ernest Ndunda]