This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On a day of thrilling performances, Nancy Jelagat proved her prowess, destroying the women's field to win the Family Group Eldoret Half Marathon on October 6, 2019. The event, dubbed Champions Run for Autism, attracted many runners and raised funds towards inclusive education in supporting children living with autism.
For the men, Daniel Simiyu, national trials 5,000m champion, set the pace and secured the title, finishing in 63:00 minutes. Moses Kibet from Uganda finished second in 63:38 minutes, while Andrew Kwemboi finished third in 63:44 minutes.
Simiyu expressed gratitude, saying, "It was a tough and competitive race that attracted many runners. I thank God I sustained the pace. I have been training in Iten since January. I am now preparing for the Olympics next year."
Proceeds from the 13th edition of the marathon will go towards completing the entire block of classrooms at Sosiani Primary School. The winners of the 21km men and women's categories took home Sh350,000 each, an increase of Sh100,000 compared to last year's prize money.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago pledged continued support for the race, thanking Family Group for their consistency in holding the marathon for 13 years and nurturing talent within the region. He also lauded the cause of the marathon, which has set up an autistic centre at Sosiani Primary School and conducted education awareness campaigns.
