Simiyu, Relin win inaugural Nakuru City Marathon

Daniel Simiyu, winner of Nakuru City half Marathon. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

As Nakuru looks forward to be awarded the City Charter Status by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, Daniel Simiyu of Samburu and Catherine Relin of Elgeyo Marakwet emerged winners of the inaugural Nakuru City Marathon .

Simiyu clocked 59 minutes 03 seconds to win the men's 21km as Relin, who was second in the Eldama Ravine Half Marathon last month, registered 1:07.29 to win in the women's category, which saw 2,009 runners compete for the top prize.

Both winners received a cheque of Sh500,000 each, which was presented by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui in the presence of Stanbic Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer Charles Mudiwa and Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei.

The 26-year-old Simiyu said his next focus is to ensure he makes the Commonwealth Games team, which will be held in Birmingham, England in July 2022.

"The victory has come at the right time when every serious runner is angling to be named into the Commonwealth Games squad," Simiyu said.

On her part, Relin, who trains under the tutelage of world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei in Kapsait in Elgeyo Marakwet, said the weather conditions in Nakuru favoured her as she sprinted to victory.

"Depending on the advice from my coaches, I'm determined to improve on my training sessions," Relin said.