M. KisengeKamulu and Kigen claim victory in 2nd edition of Machakos Great Run
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 30.07.22. | 14:00
Winners of both race stand a chance of securing scholarships in the United States.
The 2018 World Half Marathon bronze medalist Pauline Kamulu and Vincent Kigen are the winners of the second edition of the Machakos Great Run held on Saturday.
The Japan based Kamulu defended her crown after cutting the tape in 31:00.02 ahead of Lucy Mawia and Mirriam Chebet who clocked 32:00.06 and 32:04.02 respectively.
Kigen on the other hand, timed 27:53.01, beating Kelvin Kibiwot and Samuel Naibei who sealed the other podium places after stopping the clock in 27:58.05 and 28:00.09.
Kamulu, a Machakos Athletics Club product, jetted in on Friday last week from Japan to defend her title won last year in the inaugural edition held at the Machakos Peoples' Park.
The 26-year old who moved to Japan in 2013 could not contain her joy after retaining the title even though she noted that the chasing pack gave her a run for her money unlike in the first edition.
"It feels great to win the race on home county again. When I got the invite to race, I couldn't resist considering that I also spare my free time to mentor the upcoming athletes. I have big races in the coming months and this victory, is certainly a source of inspiration as I am looking forward to set good times, "she said.
Kigen on the other hand, termed the win as a consolation after missing our of the podium in the Mozzart Bet powered Re-discover Nandi road race held last month in Kapsabet.
The 22-year old who trains in Iten under coach Ken Rotich finished position five in Nandi but can afford a smile after coasting to victory in Machakos.
The Nakuru born athlete, interestingly revealed he would not have won the race had the Boda Boda riders on the course who followed the race closely not motivated him to keep pushing at a time when, he was running short of gas.
"I am happy to have won the race. It was tough but I kept on pushing my body and I am glad it reacted well. I took a couple of weeks to prepare for the race and my efforts have paid off," he said.
The winners in each category pocketed Ksh. 30,000 with the runner up getting Ksh. 20,000. Third place finishers got Ksh. 15,000. The top ten athletes in each race got cash awards.
