Athletics: Forgotten Koech happy to win Mombasa marathon

Brave Cosmas Koech overcame strong opposition to win the 35th edition of Safaricom Mombasa International 42km men race yesterday in Mombasa.

Koech, who trains at Interian Athletics Club in Bomet was making a comeback in a major race after an injury he suffered back in 2009.

“I was out of competitive action due to an injury since 2009, but I thank God my strenuous training for Mombasa International marathon has been positive at last,” said Koech after clocking 2:19.46 to win the race.

The 32-year-old runner said the win has boosted his chances of participating in an international marathon later this year.

“The course was okay, but the weather was not favorable,” said the soft-spoken marathoner.

Elkana Yego and Dismus Ewety, who participated as individuals clocked 2:20.18 and 2:21.11 seconds respectively.

In women 42km race, Shelmith Murioki who participated as an individual emerged victorious after timing 2:42.32 seconds. The 30-year-old runner from Machakos Athletics Club was making her first attempt in 42km race.

Murioki won Mombasa international 10km in 2015 and last year, but decided to venture into the gruelling 42km race.

“It was a tough race but I managed to outpace my opponents after 35km,” she said.

Stephen Mwendwa from Makueni Ndumbi Athletics Club won the 10km race in of 39.5 minutes.

[Ernest Ndunda]