Cheruiyot, Cheptoek claim Roan Antelope Half Marathon

Alfred Cheruiyot on his way to winning men's Roan Antelope Half Marathon at Ruma National Park. [James Omoro, Standard]

Alfred Cheruiyot clocked one hour and eight minutes to win this year's Roan Antelope Half Marathon at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County on Saturday.

The women's race was clinched by Careen Cheptoek from Elgeyo Marakwet who timed two hours, 20 minutes and eight seconds.

Cheruiyot, who hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County beat more than 200 athletes to claim the men's 21km race.

Vincent Kipyegon from Kericho finished second with Silus Kirui, Paul Machoka, Emmanuel Matungu, Benard Bii, Kiprono Kipremeo, Reuben Rono, Robert Maiyo and Kenneth Rotich following from the third to the tenth positions respectively.

Fridah Chelang'a and Cynthia Jerono were second and third respectively in the women's race while Doris Jepkoech, Ronah Nyaboke, Rebecca Jesang, Ivine Chelang'at, Damaris Aleva, Fridah Rorimor and Isabella Chemurgo followed from fourth to tenth positions in that order.

Both winners walked home with Sh250,000 in prize money each, while first runners up pocketed Sh100,000 each.

The marathon was organised by Homa Bay County in collaboration with Athletics Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service, Victory Farms among other stakeholders.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga announced that the marathon which is aimed at conserving roan antelopes in the county will be held annually.

She was accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Peter Kaluma of Homa Bay Town and Martin Owino of Ndhiwa.

The event which began on Friday attracted a sizable number of both local and foreign tourists.

"We organised this event to help us to conserve roan antelope and market Ruma National Park," Wanga said.

"This event has put us on the international map as a county as far as tourism is concerned."

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi who participated in the 21km race said: "What we have seen here means Homa Bay is rich in tourist attractions. There is no need to go anywhere except Ruma National Park."

His Homa Bay counterpart Peter Kaluma said the marathon served as a sign of national unity.

"The marathon has brought together people from various ethnic backgrounds in our country. It has greatly contributed to our unity as a country," Kaluma said.

Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino urged Kenyans to embrace domestic tourism.

"I urge our people to embrace domestic tourism to enable them to utilise local opportunities," Owino said.