Philip Kigen, 37 and Mercy Kwambai 35, wins this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon

Meru, Saturday June 24, 2023,

KNA by Dickson Mwiti

Mr Philip Kigen (37) and a father of two as well as Mercy Kwambai (35) who is also a father of two children are this year’s winners of 42-kilometres 10th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon. 

The race which attracted about 1,200 local and international participants was held at Lewa Conservancy in Meru County. 

Mr Kigen who was participating in the marathon for the second time clocked 2:19:06 hours bettering his last year finishing time of 2:24:53. 

The ambitious Mr Kigen said his best time ever was in 2015 when he participated in Marrakech in Morocco and took 2:08. 

“This is my first win and it is acting as training as I prepare to participate in another marathon in Italy later in the year,” said Kigen. 

He added: “Last year I had not prepared myself well and I became position two. This year I was determined and I can attribute my win to adequate preparations.” 

He said the main challenges during the race was the rough course and the hilly terrain. “I also had to stop to give way to morning joggers along the course way which in one way or another derailed me,” said Mr Kigen. 

On her side, Kwambai won the Marathon in the Women category after timing 2:48:35 minutes.

Kwambai who also complained of the hilly terrain said it was her second marathon to participate in her life, after the first one in Abuja Nigeria, where she took 2 hours and 38 minutes. 

“I took this as my training as I prepare to participate in a marathon in Germany in October,” said Ms Kwambai. 

Kwambai was followed by Zeddy Jerop (2:52:54) with the third position going to Frida Lodepa (3:04:32). 

In Men’s Marathon, the second position went to John Mitei (2:21:23) and the third to Isaack Koech who took 2:22:37 hours. 

The marathon, both half and full has a cash price of Sh150,000 for first position for both male and female, while second position marathoners take home Sh80,000.

Those who took the third position get Sh60, 000.                                           

Courtesy ; K. N. A