Kenya team Skaters Isaac Mburu and Lucy Achieng were the winners of 2016 edition of the 42km Skating event in Bungoma on Sunday morning.
Mburu travelled all the way from Nairobi, county number 47 to Bungoma, County number 39who put up a brave final push to beat a strong field that comprised of members of the Kenya Speed skating team who pushed for the top prize to the last roll.
The event, which took toll of Bungoma Town, Skaters rolled in the twon, started at Moi Avenue through Bungoma Airstrip, Mashambani area, to Mumias Road and back at Moi avenue with each loop covering 5km.
The Skates marathon that was organized by Michezo Afrika in partnership with the Magharibi Michezo Awards and Kenya Skating clubs saw Mburu walk home with 30,000 shillings in prize money.
This was the first 42km marathon road race in Kenya and a big test for the Kenyan team.
“ I am so excited. My friends pushed me hard but I must admit the 42KM stretch needs a lot of endurance and preparation. We had a good race, the roads were good and we thank Organizers for the amazing experience and hope next year we can make it even bigger and more challenging.” Mburu said after the race in Bungoma.
Peter Kamau, winner of last year’s race came in second place while Simon Irungu was third.
Lucy Achieng won the women open category with Tabitha Mumbi coming in second while Sally Mango was third.
The Skates Festival was graced by the Kenya Federation of Roller Skating secretary General Lameck Wafula who also announced that the federation is keen to make sure the next edition of the competition attracts international marathoners from across the world.
“We are happy to work with the dedicated organizers of the Bungoma Skates festival as we target to make this as one of our biggest races on the calendar.” Lameck noted.
Lameck further congratulated all winners and clubs that took part in the festival urging more sponsors to come up and support the growth of the sport in Kenya.
“We would like to see more clubs being formed across the country and the more we take this sport to the people at the grassroots the more we keep growing it.
Winners
Senior Men 42KM
- Isaac Mburu
- Peter Kamau
- Simon Irungu
Junior Marathon Men 21KM
- Hillary Maluke
- Gideon Mutua
- Kelvin Odhiambo
Ladies Open
- Lucy Achieng
- Tabitha Mumbi
- Sally Mango
Junior Races
U-6 years Girls
- Zuena Omari
- Annn Claire Akinyi
- Shukn Ibrahim
U-6 Boys
- Lampard Onyango
- Derrick Kambona
- Gyan Obura.