Nairobi City County Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has expressed his feeling after hosting the 2018 Nairobi Standard chartered marathon which he flagged off on Sunday morning alongside Standard chartered CEO Melin Majjang.
Sonko said he was proud to have his County host the great event that has proved that Kenya is indeed the home of athletics.
Sonko said his government at large was proud to be associated with the Standard Chartered Marathon, both as the host city and as a sponsor.
He however revealed the support the county had offered to see the event successful.
He said they had given support for the 2018 event, including waivers of various fees, amounting to up to 7 million Shillings.
Nairobi City County Gov’t is proud to be associated with the Standard Chartered Marathon, both as the host city and as a sponsor. We have given support for this year’s event, including waivers of various fees, amounting to up to 7 million Shillings.#StanChartMarathon pic.twitter.com/lVnkprabAx
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) October 28, 2018
He also presided over the prize giving ceremony in which various winners were rewarded different cash prizes depending on the kind of race won.
Fresh from winning Beijing Marathon last month, Valary Aiyabei retained the women’s half marathon title.
Matthew Kiprotich from Iten eased home to his second victory in the men’s half marathon race in a cool morning weather.
Aiyabei made history as the first athlete to ever retain the title either in half or full marathon, clocking 1 hour, 12 minutes and 02 seconds.
Aiyabei showed her grit and style, taking an early lead, beating newcomer Irine Kamais from Baringo to second place in 1:13:37.
The 2009 Berlin and 2011 Daegu World Championships 5 000m silver medallist Sylvia Kibet finished third in 1:14:05.
Kiprotich, who won 2012 but finished second in 2011 and third in 2013, recaptured the men’s title in 1:04:57.
Paul Kibet settled second in 1:05:24 as James Kiplagat came in 1:05:32.