Hundreds of marathoners participated in a 21 kilometer race at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County.
The race dubbed “run with the roan” was organised by Homa Bay county government, the Kenya Wildlife Service and other stakeholders to promote the conservation of the rare roan antelope and market the park.
During the race, 22-year-old Alfred Cheruiyot from Elgeyo Marakwet County won the men’s category clocking 1 hour and 8 minutes followed by Vincent Kipyegon from Kericho County.
More than 200 athletes participated in the half marathon.
Silus Kirui, Paul Machoka, Emmanuel Matungu, Bernard Bii, Kiprono Kipremeo, Reuben Rono, Robert Maiyo and Kenneth Rotich followed from the third to the tenth positions respectively.
In the women’s category, Careen Cheptoek from Elgeyo Marakwet won race after clocking 1;20;08hrs. She was followed by Frieda Chelang’a, Cynthia Jerono, Doris Jepkoech, Ronah Nyaboke, Rebecca Jesang, Ivine Chelang’at, Damaris Aleva, Fridah Rorimor and Isabella Chemurgo followed from the second to tenth positions respectively.
Each of the winners was awarded Sh250,000 while the runners up were given Sh100, 000.
The race was graced by Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga accompanied by her Deputy Oyugi Magwanga, Members of Parliament Caroli Omondi (Suba South) Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and Martin Owino (Ndhiwa).
Wanga announced that the marathon will be held annually.
The Governor urged stakeholders to step conservation efforts to protect the rare roan antelope. The antelope species is found in the Ruma park only.
During the event which began on Friday, both local and foreign tourists came to sample out the tourist attractions in Homa Bay.
“The purpose of the run with the roan antelope race was to conserve roan antelope and market Ruma National Park both locally and internationally. We’re hope to attract more visitors through such events,” Wanga said.
Speaking after the conclusion of the race, the governor expressed optimism that the marathon has put Homa Bay in the international map as a tourist destination.
Apart from the roan antelope the park is also home to zebras, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos among others. It has more than 400 different bird species.
Homa Bay has the longest shoreline of Lake Victoria in Kenya with more than 137 active and operating beaches. There are sandy beaches in some islands like Takawiri.
Caroli Omondi who participated in the 21 km race said Ruma National Park was unmatched in terms of diversity should be the destination of choice for both domestic and foreign tourists.
“Homa Bay is rich in tourist attractions and there is no need to go anywhere except this park. The event was well organized considering it was the first time,” Omondi said.
Other partners included Athletics Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Victory Farms, Diamond Trust Bank among others.
Athletics Kenya coaches Paul Rioba said the race should be gazetted to enhance its potentiality to attract more participants.
KWS Assistant Director Catherine Wambani said they are ready to work closely with the Homa Bay government and other partners to protect the wild animals.
“Let’s join efforts to ensure we protect our animals because of their value. We’re supporting all initiatives aimed at conserving wildlife,” Wambani said.
By Davis Langat
