Maina, Chebet conquer Safaricom Mombasa Marathon

Paul Maina and Nancy Chebet shared the top honours in the men and women top races during the 2016 running of the Safaricom Mombasa International Marathon on Sunday.

Maina from Nyeri County edged out a close battle for the title in the men’s showdown when he arrived at the finish unchallenged in 2:12:13 closely followed home by Samson Bor (2:12:50) and DeClerk Omari (2:12:79) to fill the podium.

In the corresponding women’s 42km Jebet powered away from her closest challengers to wrap the victory in 2:40:01, four minutes ahead of runner-up Sheila Chebet (2:44:09) as Winnie Fridah rounded off the top three in 2:44:25.

Star attraction and three-time Safaricom Lewa Marathon champion, Fridah Lodepa (2:45:19) finished just outside the podium in fourth.

“I was well prepared for this race despite the hot weather. I had to push myself to the end and ensure victory. The race was tough but I’m in top shape as I prepare to participate in the upcoming Madoka Marathon,” the elated Maina said.

Podium finishers in the 42km races took home Kshs 400,000, Kshs 150,000 and Kshs 100,000 in that order with the top ten runners from the coast region also receiving cash rewards to motivate them to take up the sport.

In the 10K race, Nancy Jepkosgei from Iten retained her title in 38:28, followed by Beatrice Rutta 38:52 with Njoki Ndungu (39:15) coming in third.

Joshua Kipkorir topped the men’s 10K event in 32:16, followed by Patrick Mutunga in 32:30 and Stephen Mwenda in 32:48.

Over 250 athletes participated in the 33rd edition of the event spread over the 42km, 10K and 2K fun events.

Safaricom, which has sponsored the marathon for the 11th year now, gave Kshs 2.5 million for this year’s edition as part of the Safaricom Athletics Series.

The series moves to Eldoret for the Ndaalat Gaa Cross Country Race on October 15.

Leading results 42km

Men

1. Paul Maina- 2:12:13
2. Samson Bor- 2:12:50
3. Declerk Omari-2:12:79
4. James Tallam- 2:13:00
5. Luka Chelimo 2:13:06
6. Sammy Kiptoo- 2:13:10
7. Paul Matheka- 2:13:18
8. Lotira Dismas- 2:16:14
9. Elijah Yator-2:25:44
10. Lukuya Kiprono-2:25:46

Women

1. Nancy Jebet- 2:40:01
2. Sheila Chebet-2:44:09
3. Winnie Frida- 2:44:25
4. Frida Lodepa-2:45:19
5. Monica Mengich-2:46:29
6. Irene Mogaka- 2:48:30
7. Rebby Cherono- 2:49:01
8. Jepchumba Kurui-2:50:06
9. Milkah Kuna-2:50:09
10. Sarah Maiyo-2:50:25