Alfred Cheruiyot has defended his title in this year’s Roan Antelope Half Marathon at Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County.
Cheruiyot who hails from Elgeyo Marakwet County managed to beat more than 100 athletes who participated in the race.
The athlete successfully defended his title after he won the race during the first marathon held in 2023.
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Addressing journalists after the race, he attributed his impressive performance to regular practice.
“I have been doing a lot of practice ahead of this race. I thank God that I have managed to retain my title of in the marathon,” Cheruiyot said.
Alex Ngeiywo from Bungoma County came second in the race.
Ngeiywo who was participating in the race for the first time, said he was confident of finishing in a good position.
“The practice I carried out gave me confidence of performing well in the race. I thank God,” he said.
Fredrick Domongole from West Pokot came third in the race.
“This is my first time to participate in this marathon. It is a good race and I have learnt lessons,” Domongole said.
Nancy Cherop won in the marathon in the female category.
“I have participated in many races but there are some lessons I have learnt here. The race was good,” Cherop said.
The winners were awarded Sh250,000, Sh100,000 and Sh75,000 respectively.
The marathon was organised in partnership between Homa Bay County Government and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and the KWS Director General Erastus Kanga launched the start of the marathon.
Wanga said the marathon was meant to augment tourism in Homa Bay County and boost efforts to conserve roan antelopes in the park.
“This marathon has been organised to help us in promoting tourism in Homa Bay County. It will also help us to conserve roan antelopes in the park,” she said.
Kanga said the matharon will enable them to boost the number of roan antelopes in the park from the current 27 through creation of sanctuaries.
The rare Roan antelope is only found in Ruma National Park.
“We have already created a sanctuary for conserving roan antelopes. We are going to create another one. A sanctuary helps by separating the roan antelopes from dangerous animals,” Kanga said.
The Marathon came ahead of the Devolution Conference that kicks off on Tuesday.