Ex-Paris Half Marathon champ Munene tops in Embu
Embu Athletics Kenya chairman Stephen Njeru (left) congratulates former Paris Half marathon champion Morris Munene (centre) and Kenya police’s Caroline Nyaguthii after they won the inaugural University of Embu road race on October 14, 2018. The event was to raise money for a Sh100 million endowment fund. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO |
What you need to know:
- Nyaguthii said she was using the race to stay in shape in readiness for the new season as she plans to contest for a place in Kenya’s cross country team.
- University of Embu Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi flagged off the more than 1,000 runners, mainly consisting of students, staff and their families.
Former Paris Half marathon champion Morris Munene and Kenya Police athlete Caroline Nyaguthii are champions of the inaugural edition of University of Embu Road Race held on Sunday to raise money for a Sh100 million endowment fund.
Munene was made to sweat for the win by his training partners at Kigari high attitude grounds. The athlete ran neck-to-neck with Stephen Nkaiwuntei and Timothy Kinoti, before breaking away in the last two kilometers to go for victory.
The former champion of Lisbon Half Marathon race who also won 2018 Cape Town Half Marathon title conquered the rugged terrain to finish in 45.04 minutes.
On the other hand, Nyaguthii, who represented the National Police Service in the East Africa competition in Tanzania, easily defeated her challengers, finishing the 14-kilometre race in 53.22 minutes.
Her closest competitor, Eunice Muchiri finished in 58.17 minutes while University of Embu student, Sheila Chepkoririr was a distant third on 1.24.17.
An elated Munene said he was happy with the performance, saying he wanted to gauge his speed as he seeks to transition from half to full marathon.
“I am glad to have won in a good time since it is only two weeks ago that I was in Gabon for the 10 kilometre race where I finished fourth despite being in poor shape and running on a punishing course,” Munene said.
“The race was quite competitive since most of the participants are people I train with. We were afraid of each other since we know each other well. I have gauged my speed and I am happy,” Munene, flanked by coach Bruce Lati, added.
Nyaguthii said she was using the race to stay in shape in readiness for the new season as she plans to contest for a place in Kenya’s cross country team.
University of Embu Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi flagged off the more than 1,000 runners, mainly consisting of students, staff and their families.
He said the fund would help needy students go through their studies with less difficulty, adding that it would pool resources to help improve the university’s facilities.
The winners were awarded trophies and cash awards.
