Koech, Chirchir new champs of Imenti South race

Moses Koech and Evaline Chirchir are this year’s winners of the Imenti South race after claiming the honours in the 15km race.

Koech braced the hot sun to emerge the new champion clocking 49:24.0 minutes 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, winner of the 15Km 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.

“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 title next year,” said  Chirchir.

For their heroics, Koech and Chirchir each went home with Ksh  100, 000 while the first and second runners-up in both categories pocketed Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 25,000 respectively. Safaricom sponsored the Marathon to a tune of KES 1Million

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.