Korir, Ndinda reign supreme at Ndukuma Dam Run first edition

This year’s Nairobi City Marathon 10KM race runner up Fridah Ndinda clocked 49 minutes 47.1 seconds to reign supreme in the women’s senior contest ahead of Nympia Kiteta who timed 51 minutes 11.1 seconds as the 2017 World Cross Country mixed relay champion Winfred Mbithe rounded up the podium in 51 minutes 25.4 seconds.

Korir, who trains in Iten, clocked 45 minutes 28 seconds ahead of Atanas Kioko and Benson Mushon, and the 27-year-old was using the race to shake off the off season rust as he targets to participate in his first major marathon in London next April.

“At nine kilometers I made up my mind to move away from the other guys. I realised I had come from far and that I had to return home with the cash prize. That’s why I accelerated and I didn’t look back again.

“I was testing my body ahead of the busy season. I’m planning to race in the USA in January but my big target next year is to participate in the London Marathon. Kipchoge (Eliud) and Mutiso (Alexander) are my role models,” Korir said in a post-match interview.

Mbithe, who is coming back from maternity leave, is targeting the Sirikwa Cross Country Classic early next year.

“The race was a good build up although I had an injury last month that prevented me from pushing harder. Since I returned from my comeback I’ve raced in many events but I’m yet to hit top form. The Sirikwa event is my next target but the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is the ultimate dream,” said Mbithe.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior said the race was bringing people together in a shared commitment to protect the environment, cultivate peace and strengthen community ties—all while supporting talent development.

“The race is a commemoration of many things but more importantly is to protect the environment especially after distilling the dam. We want to sensitize the local community about how to conserve the environment by planting trees and also making sure they are properly involved in all the projects we’re doing.”

“We’ve also seen a lot of talent in this place and so this tournament will be an annual event going forward. We encourage the parents to allow their children to take up sports as the sector is equally important as curriculum activities,” he added.

The race was also attended by former world women’s marathon record holder Teqla Loroupe and Athletics Kenya (AK) senior-vice president Paul Mutwii, who urged the county governments to organise more tournaments saying sports has the power to be one of the most influential drivers of climate action.

“Sports can help solve many things like climate change wrath, community conflict and so I’m Makueni has seen it fit to use athletics to push the environmental conservation agenda,” said Lorupe, who was recently inducted into the Berlin Marathon Hall of Fame.

In the 10km race which was ring-fenced for the local community, Nelson Mapi who trains at Ndumbi in Makueni glided to victory in 35minutes 21.2 seconds ahead of Daniel Kioko of Makueni and Michael Mwaluko of Machakos County.

In the women’s race Jacinta stormed to victory in 41 minutes 49.8 seconds as Diana Wanza came home second with Pauline Mbithe rounding up the podium.

The 15KM winners walked home with Ksh. 120,000 while 10KM race champions pocketed Ksh. 80,000.