Athletics: Langat and Chepkorir win annual Gakuru memorial race

Leonard Langat crosses the finish line during the 2nd edition of Gakuru Memorial Half Marathon at Ruringu Standium in Nyeri, November 10, 2019, he claimed the 21 kilometer race in a time of 65:12:9. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Leonard Langat and Vibian Chepkorir are winners of this year’s Wahome Gakuru Memorial Half Marathon at Kamukunji Grounds, Nyeri Town.

The race, which was inaugurated last year, is held annually to commemorate the late Governor Wahome Gakuru, who passed away on November 7, 2017 through a road accident.

Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who was the chief guest in the event yesterday, said the race, which attracted over 700 participants, had become a form of sports tourism for the county.

“The marathon is attracting runners from other counties such as Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru, which is a great form of tourism as these runners spend and visit the county, boosting our economy,” he said.

Kahiga called on local sponsors to support the marathon.

Winners in the 21km race each received Sh100,000. Athletics Kenya's rules stipulate that for a marathon to be recognised, it must award winners Sh250,000.

This year’s marathon theme was Enhancing Emergency Response with various events taking place alongside the 21km half marathon for elite runners.

There were also 10km, 5km and 2km races.

Proceeds from this event will be used to build an emergency response unit at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital.

The marathon coordinator Daniel Gachara said this year’s event was better organised and promised to make it better in future editions. [Lydiah Nyawira]