Bangsen Thailand half marathon champion(2023), Alex Njai is the winner of the 1st edition of Mwea National Reserve half marathon after clocking 1:06:04 21 km race followed closely by Gerald Maina who clocked 1:06:27.
Mr Njai made everything work across the time giving his competitors a ray of hope that they could win the race but owned his calculations for the race in 2 minutes and 23 seconds ahead of his close competitor.
''The race was very tough. It had a lot of people who had trained. The climate here is very hot but we were able to withstand it. I shall continue training for the future,''Njai said.
Monica Nderitu won the women's category after cutting the tape in a lifetime of 1:20:36.
Ms Nderitu was followed by Pauline Njeru who ran the race by 1:27:16.
She attributed her win to a thorough training saying despite the scorching sun, she managed to post impressive results.
Gerald Wanjagi led the 10km men race (32:16) followed closely by Peter Mwangi (32:17).
In the corresponding women’s race Mary Njambi triumphed in 40:51 while Virginia Nyambura came second with 41:56.
The marathon race was staged inside Mwea National Reserve in Makima in Mwea Sub County christened as Mwema Marathon.
According to the organisers of the event ,it was aimed at raising cash to boost Makima's Umoja Wetu Uwezo Wetu CBO that supports needy students to pay school fees.
It is also part of several tourist activities that are taking place in Embu County tourism week that precedes the UN World Tourism day to be celebrated at the Moi Stadium Embu on Wednesday 27 September, 2023.
Embu governor Ms Cecily Mbarire said that the county government was committed to nurturing talents through various activities that will be undertaken in the county.
She noted that Mwea National Reserve was one of the areas that the county will focus on during these activities since people will be able to participate in such activities as they visit the reserve to see wild animals. It is also part of marketing the Mwea National Game reserve whose potential remains untapped.
Makima Ward Member of County Assembly Mr Philip Nzangi urged investors who would want to invest in hotels to visit the area so that tourists who visit the area can have high-end places where they can enjoy leisure after visiting the reserve.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi said that Mwea Game Reserve is a prestigious place that if harnessed well will increase revenue in the county promising his support to better it.
The locals were treated to a sundowner by Sir Elvis after the marathon.
STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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