The second Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) Marathon, held on Sunday in Butere Sub County, Kakamega County, was a resounding success, attracting thousands of athletes, spectators, and dignitaries. The event, hosted by MMTC’s Julius Mwale, aimed to raise funds for the Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums and co-payments for low-income residents visiting Hamptons Hospital for healthcare services.
With corporate and NGO sponsors contributing a total of Ksh 45 million, more than 500 families received annual healthcare sponsorships. A parallel free medical camp was also held at Hamptons Hospital, where patients were treated and registered for SHA. The marathon featured five race categories: the 42 km elite, 21 km elite, 10 km, 5 km community run, and 1600 m family run.
In the 42 km elite men’s race, Elkanah Langat claimed the top spot with a time of 2:18:42, narrowly edging out Abraham Kiplimo, who finished just two seconds behind. Langat, who had previously won marathons in Italy and Japan, now adds MMTC Marathon gold to his collection. In the women’s category, Nancy Jebet Rutto triumphed with a time of 2:48:55, ahead of Viola Cherotich and Caroline Chepkemoi.
The 21 km elite men’s race saw Vitalis Kibiwott take first place with a time of 1:06:13, followed by Micah Cheserek and Simon Ewar. In the women’s category, Mercy Chebichi clinched gold at 1:22:49.
Gilbert Chelagat won the 10 km men’s race in 33:29:46, while Esther Chemutai emerged victorious in the women’s race at 40:38:20. In the community 5 km, Rassal Namakhaba topped the men’s category at 18:32:08, and Rosemary Nafula won the women’s event in 25:16:29.
The 1600 m family run saw Robert Edmond, Vincent Mati, and Dismus Nandwa take the top three positions in the men’s category, while Lawenda Ondeche, Faith Ayako, and Scholastica Yvonne dominated the women’s race.
The MMTC Marathon is part of an ongoing initiative to promote universal healthcare and a healthy lifestyle among local residents. The next event, the 2nd MMTC Health Walk, is scheduled for March 29, 2025.
