Mbogo and Lodepa win Lewa Marathon titles

Two time Safaricom Marathon winner Philemon Baaru defending his title during the 2013 Safaricom Marathon closely followed by Elijah Mbogo. Finally Mbogo had his day in the sun at this year’s edition of the Safaricom Lewa Marathon held on Saturday at the Lewa Conservancy as Fridah Lodepa claimed a hat-trick of victories. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • Moses Wamaitha came second in 2:23:21 as the 2009 and 2010 Hong Kong Marathon champion, Cyprian Kiongora came in 2:24.54.

Elijah Mbogo finally had his day in the sun at this year’s edition of the Safaricom Lewa Marathon held on Saturday at the Lewa Conservancy as Fridah Lodepa claimed a hat-trick of victories.

After falling short in the last three editions, Mbogo, mastered his game well this year to triumph in 2 hours, 20:18 minutes. Moses Wamaitha came second in 2:23:21 as the 2009 and 2010 Hong Kong Marathon champion, Cyprian Kiongora came in 2:24.54.

Mbogo’s winning time on his fourth return to the race was however two minutes slower than last year’s winner, Philemon Baaru who set the men’s record after winning the event three times in a row.

Mbogo ran from behind before breaking to the front of the pack after seven kilometres and took charge up to the finish-line for his maiden title.

“God’s time is always the best. It feels good to win on my fourth appearance,” said Mbogo, who now turns his focus to qualifying for the 2015 All Africa Games in 10,000m, said.

The 34-year-old Lodepa braved the treacherous course, clocking 2:50:26 to triumph by two minutes from Monica Njeru as Rispa Lagat came in third, stopping the clock at 2:53:25. Robert Mbithi Wambua, who finished second last year, won men’s half marathon in a course record of 1:04:50, beating Morris Munene, who crossed the line a minute later as Nicholas Kamakya, second at 2009 Beijing and 2011 Los Angeles Marathons, finished third in 1:05:59.

Lucy Karimi reigned supreme to win women’s race in 1:16:23, with Wanjiku Munene followed closely in 1:17:03 a minute ahead of defending champion Pauline Wanjiku. Pederis Lepakana clocked 1:17:53 to close the podium places.

The race has raised approximately Sh380 million over the years which has been used to set up development activities for communities living around the conservancy in Isiolo, Meru and Laikipia counties.