This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
On a sunny day in Lewa, Duncan Maiyo from Kaptagat made history by dethroning seven-time champion Philemon Baaru at the 20th edition of Safaricom Marathon, clocking an impressive 2:20.04.
Philemon Baaru, who had dominated the event for years, finished second in the men's 42km category. Lemaiyan Samson came in third at 2:24.31.
Emma Muthoni Kiruki clinched the top spot in the women's 42km category with a time of 2:50.31, followed by Kipsugut Daisy at 3:03.03 and Mwaniki Mary Wairimu at 3:18.50.
Defending champion Morris Munene, John Elimlim, and Mike Boit took the top three spots in the men's 21km category with times of 1:06:06, 1:06:29, and 1:06:53 respectively. Miriam Nakitare led the women's category in 1:15:11, followed by Pauline Wangui and Caroline Nyaga at 1:16:14 and 1:17:12 respectively.
Organizers of the marathon, Safaricom, aim to raise KES 100 million to mark its 20th edition, a significant increase from the KES 5 million raised in the year 2000. To date, the marathon has raised over KES 750 million for conservation and community development across Kenya.
Speaking at the event, Safaricom's Chief Customer Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, praised the unique marathon for combining fundraising with Kenya's passion for running. 'This is one of the toughest Marathons in the world known for its tough terrain. This is my 17th time taking part in this marathon and I believe it’s in taking part in such gruesome Marathons that have enabled me become a world renowned marathoner. It is a privilege having taken part,' said Henry Wanyoike, world-class middle distance runner.
