Participants at the start of MMTC Marathon on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The second edition of the Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) Marathon was held on Saturday, January 10 at MMTC in Butere, Kakamega County.
Thousands of athletes and spectators attended the event which was held to enable payment of Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums for low-income residents who visit Hamptons Hospital for healthcare.
The winners received medals and cash prizes.
More than 500 families received annual sponsorships from a dozen corporate and NGO sponsors who committed Sh45 million as sponsorship fees for the 2nd MMTC Marathon.
A parallel free medical camp was held at Hamptons Hospital and treated patients during which the community members were registered with SHA.
MMTC's founder Julius Mwale hosted the event which also brought together foreign dignitaries.
Local and national business and political leaders graced the event including MP Tindi Mwale.
The event had five category races which included the 42 km elite, 21km elite, 10 km, 5km community run and 1600m family run.
Elkanah Langat emerged top in the 42 km men after clocking 2:18:42, followed closely by Abraham Kiplimo at 2:18:44.
Alpha Kisa received a bronze medal after clocking2:19:03.
It was a bittersweet start of the year for Elkanah, the winner of the 2022 Italy Marathon and Kobe Marathon in Japan.
He ran the 1600-meter race at the inaugural MMTC marathon in 2023 as he was recovering from an earlier injury. He now adds MMTC marathon Gold to his Italian and Japanese ones.
In women's 42km Nancy Jebet Rutto snatched gold at 2:48:55 ahead of Viola Cherotich who bagged Silver after clocling 2:49:32. Caroline Chepkemoi closed the podium finish at 3:07:43.
In 21km elite men Vitalis Kibiwott emerged top at 1:06:13, he was followed by Micah Cheserek at 1:07:24.
Simon Ewar closed the podium at 1:09:32.
In the women's category, Mercy Chebichi scooped gold at 1:22:49 followed closely by Phyllis Kipkelio at 1:22:50. Caren Chelagat closed the podium finish at 1:23:53.
In the 10 KM men category, Gilbert Chelagat received gold as the 2nd and 3rd finishers were disqualified for taking the wrong route.
In the women's category, Esther Chemutai led followed by Loice Sang. Sheila Kibet clinched bronze.
In the community category, Rassal Namakhaba finished top in 5km men. He was followed by Aaron Ambia of Shiraha Secondary School while Henry Inganga of Imanga Secondary School received bronze.
In the women's 5km category, Rosemary Nafula from Shiraha topped and was followed by Mary Nandwa from Shiraha.
In the 1600-meter men's family category, Robert Edmond, Vincent Mati and Dismus Nandwa scooped the top 3 medals respectively.
In the women's category, Lawenda Ondeche, Faith Ayako and Scholastica Yvonne swept the 3 top medals respectively.
MMTC Marathon is part of four annual events at MMTC that are held to support Universal healthcare and healthy lifestyles for residents.
The next event is the 2nd MMTC Health Walk to be held on March 29, 2025 at MMTC.
