Mutitu and Jerop race to victory in Madoka half marathon

Cynthia Jerop celebrates as as she wins the annual Madoka Half Marathon at Ngerenyi Farm in Taita Taveta County, October 05, 2019. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Peter Mutitu and Cynthia Jerop are the new champions of the 14th edition of the Madoka half marathon held at the Ngerenyi Farmers in Taita Taveta County.

Jerop, 24, from Nandi County, who made her debut at the event braved the muddy terrains of the Taita hills to emerge victorious after clocking one hour 18.55.

Jerop, running as an individual athlete outshone the 2018 champion Delving Merigor who emerged second with a time of 1:19.20.

“I have won several races locally, but for Madoka half marathon, I was encouraged by my husband to take part. He believed in me and I didn’t want to disappoint him,” she said.

In the men’s race, Geoffrey Koross thought he had won with 1:16.46 time but was disqualified because he had not paid registration fees before the race, prompting organisers to award Peter Mutitu the first position after clocking 1:17:42 time.

Coast based Panuel Mkumgo failed to impress in this year’s marathon after he was disqualified for using a short cut.

“We were misled by the course marshals after running only 12 km thinking that we have run 21 km,” claimed Steven Muendo,” who was also disqualified.

Race patron Marsden Madoka said the aim of the race is to nurture talent and give Coastal people a sporting opportunity.