Delvine Meringor and Daniel Muindi win the Safaricom-Madoka Half Marathon

Daniel Muindi and Delvine Relin Meringor emerged new champions of the 13th edition of Safaricom-Madoka Half Marathon held on Mashujaa Day at Ngerenyi, Taita Taveta County.

Muindi clocked 1:06.04 to beat Stephen Mwendwa and George Njoroge who finished second and third in a time of 1:06.56 and 1:06:67 respectively in the men’s 21-kilometer race.

“This is a big boost for my career and I thank God. The route was good having ran on the same before. I trained hard and was determined to win the race. I am preparing to participate in Bucaramanga Half Marathon in Colombia next week and hope to get good results,” said Daniel Muindi.

Meringor who participated in the race for her first time crossed the finish line at 1.16.10 ahead of Lydia Njeri who came in second at 1.18.07 followed closely by Esther Chesang at 1.19.46 in the women’s 21 kilometers race.

“The race was tough due to hot weather and stiff competition.  Being my first time here, I’m glad I won. I am looking forward to defending my tittle next year,” said Delvine Meringor winner 21 kilometers women.

In the 10-kilometer race, James Mwadime won in the men’s category crossing the finish line in time of 32:38:52. He was followed closely by Gift Bahati in time of 32:41:26 and Mwamburi Jackson in time of 32:49: 67.

Lucy Mwende won the 10-kilometer women’s category finishing at 50:46:83 followed by Ann Ali at 50:49:96 and Monica Mwende at 51:20:59.

Muindi and Meringor each went home with a cash prize of 500, 000 shillings while the first and second runners-up in both categories pocketed 250,000 shillings and 100,000 shillings respectively.

The marathon comprised of seven categories; 21 kilometers both men and women, 10 kilometers for juniors, 8 kilometers for men over 45 years, 8 kilometers for women over 35 years, 6 kilometers for boys under 12 years, 4 kilometers for girls under 12 years and Corporate races.