Baaru races to victory in Lewa Marathon

SPORTS- SAFARICOM LEWA MARATHON Philemon Mbaru on his way to winning Men's 42km during this year's 17th Edition of Safaricom Marathon at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Photo/Elvis Ogina (Nairobi) 25th ,June ,2016.

Three-time champion Philemon Baaru, who missed last year’s edition of Lewa Marathon, clocked 2:22:42 to reclaim the title yesterday.

Baaru’s win was his fourth in the event and yesterday he beat training partner Paul Maina who was second in a time of 2:24:23.

Baaru (pictured), who had been ruled out with a knee injury for the better part of last year, expressed his desire of working hard in training and improving with one eye on even competing in other top marathons across the world.

“I am happy I won the race. I missed the last Lewa Marathon because of a knee injury, and I am grateful I won the race, and I will continue to keep training,” he said

Frida Lodepah continued her dominance in the women’s race and won in a time of 2:48:22, ahead of Mary Nge’ndo who was second in 2:48:46. That was her fourth successive title.

Peter Wambua won the 21 km race in 1:05:06 ahead of Loitarakwai Lengusiri, who clocked 1:05:17 while London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge finished fourth clocking 1:06:13.

In the women’s race, Pauline Wanjiku won in a time of 1:16:58 ahead of Emma Wanjiku, who clocked 1:17:59.