Jelagat, Simiyu triumph at 2019 Family Group Half Marathon

Nancy Jelagat proved her prowess destroying the field to win the Family Group Eldoret Half Marathon. Daniel Simiyu, national trials 5,000m champion, set the pace for the men’s title.

Jelagat led the women’s race and broke clear finishing a whole three minutes ahead of the second runners up to pass the finishing line at 1 hour 12.04 minutes. Deborah Samum finished second place 72:45 minutes while Marion Kibor finished third in 75:05.

For Daniel Simiyu, it was a sweet victory after failing to represent Kenya at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. He outpaced his rivals finishing in 63:00 minutes. Moses Kibet from Uganda finished second in 63:38 minutes while Andrew Kwemboi finished third in 63:44 minutes.

“It was a tough and competitive race that attracted many runners. I thank God I sustained the pace. I have been training in Iten since January. I am now preparing for the Olympics next year,” said Simiyu.

Dubbed Champions Run for Autism, the race was flagged off by Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago, Family Bank Chairman Dr. Wilfred Kiboro and World Marathon record holder and the Ambassador of the Family Group Eldoret Half Marathon Geoffrey Kamwaror.

“Congratulations to the winners today and just like those who have won before, we have no doubt that you will go on and conquer the world. We would like to thank the corporate community and the public for supporting the cause. It is through their participation that we are able to raise funds towards inclusive education in supporting children living with autism,” said Family Bank Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Mbithi.

Family Bank Chairman Dr. Wilfred Kiboro reiterated the Bank’s unwavering support towards the Marathon and the support towards inclusive education.

On his part, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago pledged continued support for the race, which is the oldest and one of the most prestigious marathons in the region. He thanked Family Group for the consistency in holding the Marathon for 13 years running and nurturing talent within the region. He lauded the cause of the marathon that has set up an autistic centre at Sosiani Primary School and the education awareness campaigns conducted for children, parents and teachers. The Governor reiterated his Government’s support to children with special needs and reassured the public that the County is looking to set up an ultra-modern assessment centre.

Proceeds for this year’s 13th edition will go into the completion of the entire block of classrooms at Sosiani Primary School. The winners of the 21km men and women’s took home Sh350,000 each, an increase of Sh100,000 compared to last year’s prize money. The first and second runners-up settled for Sh 250,000 and Sh150,000 respectively, which is also a Sh100,000 increase over last year’s prize money.