New record at Madoka race as Mwok and Cheruiyot win Madoka Half Marathon

Madoka half marathon Athletes compete in the 21km race during the 11th edition of the Madoka Half Marathon championship at the Ngrenyi Farm in Wundanyi within Taita Taveta County, October 22, 2016. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Hosea Mwok from West Pokot and Lucy Cheruiyot of Elgeyo Marakwet are the new champions of this year’s Madoka Half Marathon.

Mwok on his second stab set a new course record of 1:07.14 to beat John Mwangangi’s time of 1:07.56 set last year.

The determined Mwok, unleashed his bag of experience to outshine Nichodemus Kipkurui (1.07.22) in one of the very competitive races staged at the Ngerenyi in Taita Taveta County, yesterday.

“It was a tough race for me, but I believe I will keep the same spirit in my next competitions. My next focus is to feature in next year’s World Cross Country championship,” Mwok said.

Third position went to individual participant Simon Kinuthia (1:07.37) ahead of fourth Peter Wambua.

In the women category a new record of 1: 19.24 was set by Cheruiyot who was participating in the competition for the second time after finishing second in 2015.

Edith Chelimo finished second clocking 1.20.13 ahead of Pauline Wangui of Kenya Prisons.

“I knew the course so it was easy for me to plan for the race. I started picking up with 5km to the finish and that is the reason I have emerged the winner,” Cheruiyot said.

Winners in both men and women races bagged half a million shillings while runners up in every category received Sh250,000.

Addressing the media shortly before flagging off the event, Maj (Rtd) Marsden Madoka said organisers will consider increasing the sponsorship to nurture more young talent.

“I thank the volunteers, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success. The competition has this year attracted more elite athletes and it’s our hope the number will increase in future,” Madoka said.

The event was also graced by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Andrew Bowels and Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei. Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu participated in the corporate event.

Safaricom pumped in Sh2.2 million while Brookside Dairy Company injected Sh 700,000. The competition attracted over 1,500 runners.