Mombasa, KENYA: Daniel Kiptum and Juster Kwamesa are the champions Deaf Half Marathon that was held on Sunday in Mombasa.
Kiptum from Nandi stunned the defending champion Peter Toroitich to be crowned the winner of the fifth edition of the Deaf Half Marathon.
The Gold medalist of 2017 Sumsun Deaflympic Games held in Turkey finished first in an impressive time of 1:08:92 edging out Martin Gachie who came in second in a time of 1:09:13 and Peter Toroitich who closed the podium finish in 1:13:56.
Simon Kibai, the Gold medalists in 10,000m and 5,000m Sumsun Deaflympic Games was expected to headline the marathon but could not make it.
“Today’s race was tough and very key to me. I hoped to race against my senior Simon, but he missed out due to injuries. I was position two in the last year’s Half Marathon held in Meru and I am so happy to have triumphed this year,” said Kiptum.
In the women’s category, Kwamesa was the first to cross the finish line in a time of 2:15:70, followed by Naibin Mushitoi clocking 2:15:74 and Mercy Nyangi finishing third in 2:16:64.
The annual event also included the 10KM races for both men and women where Lucas Wanjiru won in the men’s category in a time of 36:04 followed by Kokobi Omari in a time of 36:14 with John Mwangi finishing third in a time of 56:07.
Rose Mushitoi won in the women category in a time of 50:09 as Alice Atieno and Nancy Wangari came in second and third positions at 1:39:04 and 1:40:17 respectively.
The event saw the winners in the half marathon walk away with Ksh.100,000, Ksh.50,000 and Ksh.30,000 respectively. The winner, first and second runners up in the 10KM race were awarded in Ksh 50,000, Ksh40,000 and Ksh30,000 respectively in cash prizes.
Over 200 deaf athletes from across the country participated in the event.
