Hundreds Brave Wilderness for Roan Antelope Half Marathon
The Roan Antelope Half Marathon came to a conclusion Saturday, as hundreds of participants and spectators converged at the Ruma National Park for the much-publicized event.
The marathon, which featured a two-day carnivore in the wilderness, lived up to its billing, with Elgeyo Marakwet duo of Alfred Cheruyiot and Caren Kiptoet winning the senior men’s and women’s races, respectively.
The first day of the event was characterized by a waterbus cruise from Homa Town to Mbita, followed by a scenic game drive within the Ruma National Park.
The evening featured performances by local artistes, the stories of the Homa Bay Untold, and a grand performance by the Ohangla musician Prince Indah.
The event’s second day saw non-competitive 5km and 10km races, with Governor Gladys Wanga, her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, Brand Ambassador Akothee, and other senior national and county government officials taking part.
The highlight of the day was the elite athletes’ race, with the leading pack comprising Alfred Cheruiyot, Silas Kirui, Vincent Kipyegon, and Paul Machoka. Cheruiyot ultimately won the contest with a personal best time of 1.7.59, with Caren Kiptoet winning the women’s race.
Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, stating that it was just the beginning.
“This is just the beginning. Next year, same place and the same time, we shall be back, now bigger and better,” she said.
The event was sponsored by KWS, Athletics Kenya, the Nature Conservancy, DTB, Royal Media Services, Kenya Shipyard Limited, KCB, Belmont, Golden Rays and Cold Spring hotels, Victory Farms, Liberty Insurance, among other corporates.
