Dismas Lotira and Peris Cherono electrified Mombasa City as they braved sweltering heat to win men and women titles during the Mombasa international 42km marathon.
Lotira zoomed off from a group of 20 front runners with two kilometres left and never looked back.
Lotira, who finished third during the 2010 Antwerp 42km marathon in German, clocked 2:16.52 for victory. He also pocketed Sh500,000 as top prize money.
Born on April 16, 1976 and a father of five, Lotira said the heat posed a challenge, which saw numerous athletes throw in the towel.
“The heat was unbearable but I thank God I made it to the finish line. I will give tithe to my church from my earnings. I believe it was by the grace of God that I won and I must give glory to Him,” said the soft-spoken athlete from Kapsabet.
Arit Kigen clocked 2:17.45 to finish second, while Abraham Too (2:18.31 for the second and third slots respectively.
In women's 42km, Peris Cherono from Iten won her first major race after registering 2:30.44 for her victory.
“Mombasa's heat was too much for most of us from upcountry, who are used to chilly weather,” said the 28-year-old.
She added that she won’t participate in any other race this year as she prepares for next year’s Beijing marathon.
Alice Mogire of Prisons Kenya and Elizabeth Rumokol timed 2:32.43 and 2:32.53 respectively.
In men's 10km, defending champion Stephen Mwendwa from Makueni’s Ndumbi Athletics Club retained his title with a time of 33 minutes 17.39.
“I am in top form having participated in two major races in Milan and Spain this year and I was ready to defend my title,” said Mwendwa.
Daniel Kayiok clocked 33.34.00 to finish second, while Kipkorir Birir's time of 33.40.16 saw him finish third. [Ernest Ndunda]