Lewarani, Riedel triumph at Maralal International race

Competitors during the Maralal International Camel Derby race. [PHOTO: Peter Muiruri/STANDARD]

By PETER MUIRURI

Kelly Lewarani displayed his prowess in camel riding last Sunday when he won the Maralal International Camel Derby for the third consecutive time at Yare Club in Samburu County.

Lewarani led a pack of 17 professional riders in the 21-kilometre race clocking one hour and 12 minutes, beating his closest rivals, siblings James and Lawrence Wambile who came in second and third.

 “It was a tough race but the camel behaved well. A camel is not like a car to follow an exact route. We tried all we could to keep him on the specified course,” said Lewarani.

It is also the fifth year that Lewarani is participating in the competition, which is held annually in Maralal, 350 kilometres from Nairobi.

Though men dominated the longer event, it was a different script in the 10-kilometre amateur race where the top five positions were filled by female competitors.

Kie Riedel from USA won the event in 37 minutes, 12 seconds followed six minutes later by Christina Gannon of the United Kingdom. Carolyne Van Ruessel of Netherlands was third.

“It was exhausting as well as stimulating. The camel would slow to a walk, then run, slow down again before picking up speed. It is unbelievable that I won after my first attempt at the derby,” said Kie.

The unique sports event, now in its 23rd year brings together communities from northern Kenya region.