Commonwealth marathon champion Flomena Cheyech defied humid conditions on a hilly course to win the inaugural Mully Half Marathon held in Yatta, clocking a fast time of 1:09:53.
Cheyech, a former Paris Marathon champion, controlled the race after breaking off the leading pack halfway through the race.
The win saw the decorated runner, who was accompanied by her younger sister in the 10km race won the Sh450,000 on offer.
She said: “I am happy with the win. I came to cheer my younger sister who was taking part in the 10k but I decided to register for the half marathon which I eventually won. The race began late than expected but that did not stop me from winning. I just want to encourage athletes out there to take their training seriously and their hard work will reward them.”
Lucy Cheruiyot finished second in 1:10:41 while another experienced runner, Agnes Barsosio, settled for bronze in 1:11:18.
Nyamira-based Sammy Dismus Nyokaye set records as the first athlete to win the Mully Half Marathon men’s race after seeing off experienced runners including Albert Kangogo and Nicholas Kamakya, the 2007 Boilermakers 15k winner.
29 year old Nyokaye, Kisumu Marathon silver medalist, clocked 1:01:40 to bag Sh450 000 cash prize emphasizing on his desire to defend his title next year.
“I am so happy with the win after failing in so many of my last attempts in the half marathons that I have competed in recently,” said Nyokaye.
“I source my practice sessions on the internet and they have proved to be of great importance to me today. God willing, I will be back in the second edition to defend my title and probably lower my course record.”
Kipkosgei Daniel from Eldoret settled for second in 1:01:42 with Kangogo third in 1:01:49
Mary Munanu clocked 32:28.33 to win the 10km race ahead of Wambua Nancy (32:38:94) and Ivitock Dorcas (32:52:89). Emmanuel Bor took 28:10:40 to win the men’s version followed by Abel Kimeli (28:11:20) and Mwendwa Stephen (28:23:40).
Damaris Ngumbi 20:37.00 to win the women’s 5km race with Esther Ndunge (21:10:72) and Nthumo Wandika taking the lesser podium slots respectively.
John Muinde completed the men’s 5km race in 16:10:08 ahead of Philip Katumo (17:17.44) and Daniel Ndolo (17:27:00).