Second MMTC marathon a success in Kakamega County

Thousands of athletes and spectators attended the event, which aimed to sponsor Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums and co-payments for low-income residents seeking healthcare at Hamptons Hospital.

Winners received medals and cash prizes, while over 500 families benefited from annual sponsorships worth Ksh 45 million, contributed by corporate and NGO sponsors.

A parallel free medical camp at Hamptons Hospital treated patients and registered community members for SHA coverage.

The event, hosted by MMTC's Julius Mwale, attracted foreign dignitaries, including royal representatives, alongside local and national leaders such as Tindi Mwale, the local MP.

The marathon featured five race categories: the 42km elite, 21km elite, 10km, 5km community run, and the 1600m family run.

In the 42km men’s race, Elkanah Langat clinched gold with a time of 2:18:42, followed closely by Abraham Kiplimo at 2:18:44, and Alpha Kisa, who earned bronze at 2:19:03. Langat, the 2022 Italy and Kobe Marathon winner, returned stronger after recovering from an injury that limited him to the 1600m race at last year’s MMTC Marathon.

In the women’s 42km race, Nancy Jebet Rutto won gold with 2:48:55, edging out Viola Cherotich at 2:49:32. Caroline Chepkemoi finished third at 3:07:43.

In the 21km men’s race, Vitalis Kibiwott secured first place with 1:06:13, followed by Micah Cheserek at 1:07:24 and Simon Ewar at 1:09:32. In the women’s 21km race, Mercy Chebichi took the top spot with 1:22:49, just ahead of Phyllis Kipkelio at 1:22:50 and Caren Chelagat at 1:23:53.

The 10km men’s race saw Gilbert Chelagat win gold with a time of 33:29:46, while the second and third finishers were disqualified for taking the wrong route. In the women’s race, Esther Chemutai emerged victorious with 40:38:20, followed by Loice Sang at 45:56:29 and Sheila Kibet at 47:00:23.

In the 5km community run for men, Rassal Namakhaba topped the leaderboard at 18:32:08, trailed by Aaron Ambia of Shiraha Secondary at 18:45:03, and Henry Inganga of Imanga Secondary at 18:50:00. In the women’s category, Rosemary Nafula from Shiraha claimed victory at 25:16:29, followed by Mary Nandwa from Shiraha at 28:20:11.

The 1600m family run for men saw Robert Edmond win gold, with Vincent Mati taking silver and Dismus Nandwa earning bronze. In the women’s race, Lawenda Ondeche finished first, followed by Faith Ayako and Scholastica Yvonne.

The MMTC Marathon is one of four annual events organized by MMTC to support universal healthcare and promote healthy lifestyles among residents. The next event, the 2nd MMTC Health Walk, is scheduled for March 29, 2025, at MMTC.