Nairobi: Twin City Marathon Champion Shadrack Korir won the 15 kilometers Ndukuma Dam Run on Sunday and was followed closely by Atanas Kioko and Benson Mushow in second and third positions respectively.
According to Kenya News Agency, Korir, who resides in Elgeyo Marakwet, finished the race in 45 minutes and 28 seconds. Kioko and Mushow followed with times of 45 minutes and 39 seconds, and 45 minutes and 46 seconds, respectively. The race, aimed at nurturing talent and raising environmental conservation awareness, saw intense competition. Speaking to the media, Korir shared that the race was challenging, particularly for the men. He trains at the high-altitude Iten Camp and felt tension before starting but motivated himself to persevere. At the 9-kilometer mark, he realized he could win and accelerated at the hills. Korir mentioned that he was alone by the 12-kilometer mark, and the crowd’s cheering propelled him to accelerate to the finish line.
Korir is preparing for the Euston Marathon in Minnesota, USA,
in January and used the Ndukuma Run as a test for his readiness. He previously won the Twin City 42 Km Marathon in Minnesota and aims to participate in the upcoming London Marathon next year.
In the women’s 15 kilometers race, Fridah Ndinda finished first with a time of 49:47 seconds, followed by Nypha Kiteto at 51 minutes and 11.1 seconds, and Winfred Mbithe at 51 minutes and 25.4 seconds. Ndinda, who previously came second in the Nairobi City Marathon, hails from Machakos. She called for increased support for students to nurture talent early and guide young people effectively. Inspired by athletes Alex Mutiso and Mutie Yavi, Ndinda plans to participate in a 10 kilometers race in South Africa next.
During the event, the women’s 10 kilometers race was won by Jacinta Kavindu, followed by Diana Wanza and Pauline Mbithe. In the men’s category, Nelson Mapi emerged victorious, with Daniel Kioko and Michael Mwaluko finishing in second and third positions.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr announced plans for a
marathon at Ndukuma Dam next January to further raise awareness about environmental conservation. The event was organized by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Ndukuma Conservancy Community Based Organization, and other partners. Attendees included Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya, and Executive Committee Members for Gender Sabastian Kyoni and Tegla Loroupe, among others.