Beating the heat - George Nchoro en route to victory at the Great Lakes Marathon (© Titus Munala)
Kisumu, Kenya Twenty eightyearold George Nchoro and 23-year-old Rose Jebet were the winners of the eighth edition of the Great Lakes Marathon in this lakeside city of Kisumu, 400km west of Kenya's capital of Nairobi, on Sunday.
With weather reading 36 degrees celcius in the mid morning, the two athletes braved the scorching sun to take home Kenya shillings 40,000 (approx 500 USD) each after a daring run that left rivals totally fatigued.
"I am happy that the injury that dogged me since 2006 is healed and I can race again," said Nchoro, who said he has been running in European road circuit six years ago.
Nchoro clocked 2:22:01 ahead of Peter Ndegwa (2:22:31) and DeKlerk Omari (2:22:13), while a veteran runner, Onesmus Nyerere was fourth in 2:23:32.
Jebet timed 2:53:16 and was followed home by Leah Cheruto (3:05:10) and Hellen Chemongis (3:07:46). Grace Chebet was fourth in 3:10:07.
"I am determined to take my career to the next level with this win. I want to enter international races abroad more seriously now," said Jebet.
Over 200 runners started the race in Awasi along the Nairobi-Kisumu highway and took the straight road on a very flat course which ended inside the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground. Among the senior athletics officials present were Athletics Kenya Secretary General, David Okeyo, Public Relations Officer, Peter Angwenyi, and local officials led by branch chairman James Rapenda.
Leading Results:
Men:
1. George Nchoro (2:22:01)
2. Peter Ndegwa (2:22:31)
3. DeKlerk Omari (2:23:13)
4. ONesmus Nyerere (2:23:13)
5. Joseph Okello (2:24:35)
Women:
1. Rose Jebet (2:53:16)
2. Leah Cheruto (3:05:10)
3. Hellen Chemongis (3:07:46)
4. Grace Chebet (3:10:07)
5. Elishah Mutai (3:15:39)
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
