Mr Philip Kigen (37) and a father of two as well as Mercy Kwambai (35) who is also a mother of two children are this year’s winners of 42-kilometres 10th edition 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 clicked 2:19:06 ours after the last year’s marathon where he finished at 2:24:53.
The ambitious Mr Kigen said his best time ever was in 2015 where he participated in Marrakech in Morocco where he finished the race at 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 Mr 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 illy 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 clicking 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 tis 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) and the third position went to Frida Lodepa (3:04:32).
In Men Marathon, the second position went to John Mitei (2:21:23) and the third position was scooped by 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 has Sh80,000.
Those who took the third position took home Sh60,000.
