David Tarus and Japan-based Philes Ongori were crowned pioneer Sotokoto Safari Marathon men and women champions as 2,000 runners invaded the serenity of Nairobi National Park to contest in its first edition.In winning the main 21km races in 1:02.29 and 1:11:11, Tarus and Ongori did no harm to their bank account balances with each earning the Sh1.2 million top prize.
In the men’s showstopper, Tarus, who placed second at this year’s Standard Charted Mumbai Marathon, dislodged long-time race leader and runner-up, Nicholas Kamakya, 6km from the finish before majestically powering to victory.
Winning did not come as a surprise since I was very prepared for the race and I was not afraid of anybody. I decided to begin with a slow 10km and began increasing my pace from the half point," the 28-year-old who trains in Eldama Ravine and is managed by Gianni Demadonna, told reporters.
"It is a proud moment for me to be the first winner of this event that is also my first major victory. My target is to compete well in major international races," he added. After Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka flagged off the race at the site where former President Moi famously set fire to elephant tusks worth Sh60m inside Nairobi National Park, Kamakya, Charles Sigei, Gilbert Yegon, Gilbert Kirwa and Jacob Yator hit the front early.
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