Sakilu does TZ proud at the Kili Marathon

Moshi. Jacqueline Sakilu saved Tanzania’s face yesterday after grabbing a top prize at the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon, with the event once again witnessing Kenyans rule supreme.

Sakilu clocked 1:12:43 hours to win the 21.1 kilometre race ahead of Cynthia Tonett of Kenya who spent 1:14:33 followed by her countrywoman Naomi Maiyo (1:17:47).

“It was very competitive to the final minutes, but I thank God for giving me enough strength to finish the race as the winner,” said a gasping Sakilu shortly after the gruelling race.

In the full marathon, Tanzanians were more of spectators as the Kenyan runners swept all top positions in both men’s and women’s events.

David Ruto edged his compatriots to the podium after clocking 2:16:04 followed by Julius Kilimo (2:16:17) and Victor Serem (2:16:32).

The women’s race saw Frida Lodepa of Kenya clock 2:40:11 to beat thousands of competitors.

Joan Rotich of Kenya who clocked 20:42:46 took the second position followed by her countrywoman Jackline Kithia who crossed the line after 2:55:19.

Kenyans also dominated the men’s half marathon when Lagat Alfers grabbed the top prize having timed 1:02:34 followed by Silas Kipkembai (Kenya) who used 1:03:04 while the third spot went to Kenyan Keneth Kandie (1:03:20).

In the Gapco 10km race for the disabled, all top positions went to Tanzanians with Simon Mlewa crossing the line first followed by Emmanuel Sule and Mohammed Mzee.

The Vodacom’s 5km fun run also saw all Tanzanians take the top positions in both men’s and women’s categories.

Natalia Elisante finished first ahead of Rosalia Fabian while in the men’s race, Fabian Nelson and Wilbert Peter crossed the finish line first and second respectively.

Winners in the Vodacom race were awarded Sh500,000 while the runner-ups in both disciplines earned Sh350,000.

The first placed runners in the main event (42km) sponsored by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager were each presented with a dummy cheque of Sh4m while the runner-ups earned some Sh2m.

The winners (men and women) of the half marathon went home with Sh2m while the second winners earned Sh1m as second runner-ups got Sh500,000.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon, which was in its 13th edition, attracted over 6,000 athletes from across the world.

Executive Solutions are the coordinators of the event that has been co-sponsored by Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, Vodacom Tanzania, GAPCO, Simba Cement, and KK Security.

Others are Keys Hotel, TPC Sugar, TanzaniteOne, CMC Automobiles Ltd, RwandAir, FNB Tanzania, UNFPA and Kilimanjaro Water.