Moses Koech and Evaline Chirchir on December 9 carried the day in the 15 kilometer of the Safaricom Imenti South Road Race that was flagged off at Kanyuruko in Igonji, Meru County.
Koech braced the hot sun to emerge the new champion clocking 49:24.0 to beat Alexander Mutiso and Moris Munene who finished second and third in a time of 49:43.0 and 49:59.0 respectively in the men’s 15Km race.
“This is my first time to run in this race and I am so glad I made it. The road was hilly and weather very hot but I managed. I trained well and was determined to win. I am preparing to participate in the World Cross Country next year in Eldoret and hope to get good results,” said Moses Koech, the Winner of the 15km race for men.
Chirchir who participated in the race for her first time crossed the finish line at 57:08.22 ahead of Lydia Njeri who came in second at 57:40.82 followed by Caroline Nyaguthi at 59:40.31 in the women’s 15Km race.
“The race was tough with very stiff competition from other athletes. Being my first time here, I’m glad I won. I am looking forward to defending my tittle next year,” said Evaline Chirchir, winner 15Km women.
Koech and Chirchir each went home with a cash prize of 100, 000 shillings while the first and second runners-up in both categories pocketed 50,000 and 25,000 shillings, respectively. Safaricom sponsored the Marathon to a tune of 1 million shillings.
The road race themed Running for healthy and wealthy living comprised of 15 km senior race, 8km and 6km cross-country races for boys and girls, 4km for veterans, 800m races for boys and girls and a 2km VIP race.
The Safaricom Imenti South Road Race has since inception attracted hundreds of local and international athletes offering a platform to nurture talents and promote athletics locally and internationally.