Kirui and Limo take the honours at Peter Mulley Half

Nicholas Kirui and Marion Limo won the ninth edition of Peter Mulley Half Marathon that concluded on Sunday at the Machakos People’s Park.

Kirui completed the 21km course in 1:02:51 to win the men’s main event as Nicodemus Kipkirui (1:02:58) and home runner Patrick Mutunga (1:03:08) followed through to complete the podium.

Limo took the women’s half in 1:11:20 followed by Edith Chelimo (1:11:40) as Chepng’etich Keter (1:12:40) settled for third.

Katui Muia clocked 30:21 to win the 10km men race followed by Philomen Kachariani in 30:32 while John Mulu took bronze in 30:37 while Damaris Muthee took the corresponding women’s race in 34:59.

“I had prepared well for the race and now am focusing the Dalati Marathon,” Muthee said after the race with Muia saying he is eyeing the same distance at the forthcoming Safaricom Marsden Madoka Half in Wundanyi.

Nancy Chepkomen (34:59) and home girl Nancy Nzisa (35:05) finished second and third.

Athletics Kenya Deputy President and chairman of Southern Branch; Paul Mutwii said that despite several half marathons being held over the weekend fans and participants turned up in good numbers.

“Today we also had Eldoret Half Marathon, and yesterday we had Embu Half Marathon, the only thing that was affected in our race was elite athletes were not fully represented here in Machakos, as many were involved in other races.

“I also encourage Southern athletes to put more effort in the coming races, as their today’s performance was not that good,” Mutwii added.

Justus Katumo led Francis Taabu and Abdalla Abdulkaria to the podium in the Paralympics category for men while Purity Mueni took the honours in the women’s event ahead of Mary Wanza and Sabina Mukui.

“I urge people with disabilities to be participating in events like these since they give them more opportunities,” Katumo offered.

The event is aimed at raising funds for Tumaini School which accommodates orphans.