Busia: Wency Wabwire from Nambale sub-county in Busia County is the champion of of this year’s 15km border Marathon held over the weekend in Busia town.
He clocked a personal best of 50:39:10, outpacing Edwin Bwire (51:02:01) and Wycliffe Wafula (51:56:96) who finished second and third, respectively. Mark Nandiem, Daniel Omondi, and Jude Emomeri rounded out the top six.
The high-energy race drew hundreds of participants from Kenya and neighboring Uganda. The course began at Busia Polytechnic, proceeding through Tororo, Pace Temple, Mayenje, and Busia Stadium before returning to the Polytechnic.
In the women’s 15km category, Angela Miriam from Mauko delivered a stellar performance, finishing in 1:13:40. Belinda Akojo (1:14:40) and Mercy Asale (22:16:10) secured the first and second runner-up positions.
Speaking to journalists after her win, Angela, a third-year student at Maseno University, attributed her success to hard work and resilience.
The 10km race provided a surprise winner as Phinancia Awino, a grade six pupil at St. Luke Amoni Comprehensive School, clocked 34:27:1.
Ryth Ajakaa and Cynthia Akwede from Teso North and Teso Central finished second and third with times of 35:10:48 and 35:30:18, respectively.
During the awards ceremony, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur Osiya, the chief guest, emphasized the cross-border marathon’s potential to tap into youth talent.
He urged Athletics Kenya to establish training camps in the region to further nurture young athletes.
Osiya added that plans are underway to host the event annually, which will enhance cohesion and foster meaningful growth between the two countries.
Event organizer Sarah Martha echoed this sentiment, highlighting the 10-kilometer stretch that crossed into Uganda and back to Kenya.
This feature allowed spectators in the neighboring country to experience the cross-border nature of the marathon.
Martin Kabaka, Chairperson of Athletics Kenya’s Busia branch, commended the youth for their participation and pledged support for the talented individuals.
Winners received cash prizes, certificates of participation, and other contributions from partners, including maize seeds from Western Kenya Seed Company.
Notably, the event, supported by numerous partners including the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), played a significant role in combating drug and substance abuse.
NACADA organized roadshows and participated in community outreaches to raise public awareness and identify individuals seeking help with addiction.
Athletics Kenya Western Region Vice Chairperson Patrick Kipsang thanked the organizers for the cross-border initiative.
He assured support for the planning committee of next year’s event, aiming to ensure local participants from humble backgrounds receive adequate support and are rewarded for their hard work.
“Athletics is a well-paying sport,” Kipsang affirmed, recalling how 100m world champion Ferdinand Omanyala earned Ksh 5.8 million in 30 seconds.
He also emphasized the need to support local runners from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to benefit from their talent.
