Former world cross country junior bronze medalist Cynthia Jerop and little known Peter Mutitu were the winners of the 14th edition of Safaricom Madoka Half Marathon held on Saturday 5th at Ngerenyi Stadium, Wundanyi- Taita Taveta County.
The Los Angeles marathon silver medalist won the women’s race in 78.55 followed by then defending champion Delvine Maringor in 79.20 after defending her Chemususu half marathon title last month in Baringo Coounty as Vaati Naomi completed the podium 80.12.
“It was a tough race especially being my first time in this terrain, even more difficult as the ground was muddy and it was raining, but hard work pays, I thank God,” said the 2018 Kass marathon champion.
Jerop also won the inaugural kaptagat Half marathon in 2018, followed by Bomet half marathon title, finished second at Tubonglore 10km, and silver at Standard Chartered marathon in 2018.
In men’s race, upstart Mutitu won the title in 1:17.42 followed by Kahora Joseph clocking a time of 1:18.50, third position was Joseph Chenge at 1:19.28
Katuu who finished at 1:34.15 was position 10 overall and best local athlete, men’s category.
In one of the lucrative 21km races, the winners pocketed Kshs.300, 000, second position got KShs.150, 000 whilst third positions got KShs.100,000.
The remaining races in the Safaricom Athletics Series calendar are the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat cross-country, Imenti and Kisumu road races.