Wahome, Njoki reign supreme at Meru Half Marathon

Debutant Peter Wahome and Mary Njoki Ndung’u bagged victories in the men and women 21km races of the third Meru Central Half Marathon on Sunday.

Wahome, 28, who trains in Timau, Buuri Sub-County took 1:07:44 to clinch the men’s main race as Peter Ndungu of Nyahururu won a title battle for second place from Boniface Fundi of Embu with the clocks returning 1:08:03 against 1:08:06 to round the podium.

“The race was tough but I have been training hard. In the end, it was easy. I getting ready for the Stanchart International Nairobi Marathon,” the winner declared.

It was his first outing over the 21km in an event where the field did not come close the course record set by Noah Chepng’abit of the Kenya Elite Athletes Camp who is running in China.

In the corresponding women’s race, Njoki, 25 prevailed over the competition in 1:22:19 after disengaging from close challenger, Felister Kariuki (1:23:04) who led the challengers home in 1:23:04 in an event held in punishing elevation.

The race ended in controversy when organisers delayed releasing the time of bronze winner Risper Lang’at.

Njoki said she is aiming at representing Kenya internationally saying after getting a number of local races in her legs, she was set for the challenge.

“The race was good. There wasn’t much competition because I led as we crossed the 5km mark till the end,” Njoki added.

Athletics Kenya Eastern vice-chairman, Stephen Njeru hailed organisers for landing slot in the federation’s annual calendar of events.

“We are happy with their commitment to support less fortunate. We want to attract more elite athletes both local and international so that they inspire our young talent,” the official underscored.

Podium finishers in the men and women races took Ksh30,000, Ksh20,000 and Ksh10,000 each in that order.