Ongori, Koech win Safaricom Kisii Half-Marathon

Former half- marathon silver medalist Philes Ongori from Kisii and Joseph Koech from Nyamira are the winners of the 2017 Safaricom Kisii Half- Marathon held on Friday in Kisii County.

Ongori took the lead in the women category to win in a time of 1:16:05 followed very closely by Joy Kemuma at 1:16:06 with Teresia Omosa closing the top three in a time of 1:17:12.

In the men category, Joseph Koech took an early lead to win the race in a time of 1: 04:39 followed by Edwin Mokua at 1:05:18 and Leitich Kipyegon at 1:05:28.

“I did not expect to win this race because humidity was high and the course was also a bit tough due to the hills. I thank God that I managed to beat my competitors and I am also grateful that I had prepared well for the marathon,” sa Ongori said after the win.

Over 300 athletes took part in the race which was flagged off from Gusii stadium.

The top three winners; men and women, took home Sh 100,000, Sh 70,000 and Sh 30,000 respectively.

The Safaricom Kisii-Half Marathon has produced international athletes such as De’Clerk Omari, Wesley Ochoro, Ruth Bosibori, Edwin Mokua and Grace Momanyi among others.

The race was sponsored by mobile phone service providers to a tune of Sh1 million.

Top 10 male winners

1. Joseph Koech- 1:04:39
2. Edwin Mokua- 1:05:18
3. Kipyegon Leitich- 1:05:28
4. Evans Mayaka- 1:05:34
5. Joel Meli- 1:05:36
6. Dennis Koech- 1:05:41
7. Jacob Mutai-1:05:54
8. Meshack Makendo-1:06:41
9. Declerk Omari-1:06:50
10. Daniel Kayiok-1:06:51

Top 10 female winners

1. Philes Ongori- 1:16:05
2. Joy Kemuma- 1:16:06
3. Teresiah Omosa- 1:17:12
4. Lonah Nyabochoa-1:19:56
5. Doris Monda- 1:22:03
6. Yunes Onyancha- 1:23 16
7. Nancy Chepkirui- 1:23:28
8. Mercy Ondieki- 1:23:44
9. Linet Mokaya- 1:27:05
10. Lydya Ogwankwa- 1:28:06