The second edition of the Busia half marathon, organised by the Western Development Initiative Association (WEDIA) in partnership with the National Police Service, was held on Sunday with a total number of 116 athletes participating in 10 km and 21 km races.
The 21 km race started at Nambale town and ended at Busia stadium, with athletes from different parts of the country participating, while the 10 km race, which was reserved for the locals, started from Kemodo centre and ended at Busia stadium.
Speaking after winning the men’s half marathon under 1:03:10, Leonard Langat from Bomet County said he has been training hard and participating in several races without winning.
“This is the first win for me this year, and I am happy. I have run different races this year without winning, but for this I am happy. Everyone can run if one has passion and works hard. Next year I am looking forward to doing better.” He said.
Beatrice Chepkemoi from Keringet, who won the women’s half marathon under 1:13:18, attributed her win to the support of the world 1500 record holder, Faith Kipyegon.
“Faith has been supporting and inspiring me together with my coach. I have been focusing on road races, and next year I will be participating in the marathon, she said.
Francis Ebei came second with a 1:03:17 time while Edward Bett secured a space on the podium after finishing third under 1:04:05 for the men’s 21 km.
In the women’s race, Mary Munanu was second with 1:14:39 while Carolyne Chepkwony came third with 1:14:49.
The women’s 10 km race was won by Ruth Namukula, who, with a time of 42.46, was followed by Selpher Mungala, who came second with 46:26, while Mildred Alukwe finished third with a time of 50:10.
In the men’s category, Wence Wabwire emerged the winner with the time of 33:41:51, Edwin Bwire got the second position under 34:54:49, while the third position was won by Mark Andiema with the time of 35:02:99.
The gold medallist in the 21 km race got a cheque worth Sh200,000; the silver medallist got a cheque worth Sh80,000, while the bronze medallist got a cheque worth Sh50,000.
In the 10 km race, the gold medallists received a cheque worth sh50,000. The silver medallist won Ksh 20,000 while the bronze medallist received Sh15,000. Pricillah Biwot, a 59-year-old woman, was also awarded cash after competing in a 21 km race.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Mr. Stephen Etyang, who was the chief guest, urged the athletes to ensure they avoid doping and use their talent to improve their lives.
“We encourage our athletes to train hard because if you don’t train, you will be engaged in doping activities, and that’s one thing we want to ensure our children with talents have run without using banned substances,” he said.
He encouraged everyone to ensure they go for early screening for cancer and register with SHA so that they can receive treatment without much struggle.
“We have all faced the pain of cancer… Let’s also embrace SHA so that it can help us in covering treatment costs. The Western region is an agricultural region, and when we lack a healthy population, it becomes a challenge to us.”
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
