10km, half marathon glorify Lake Marathon

THE 10km race for men and half marathon were the most brilliant events in this year’s Lake Victoria Marathon held on Friday in Mwanza.

Athletes who won various positions in the two races stamped world-class time that can qualify them to compete in the international level championship.

Also brightened this year’s grand run is having Tanzanian athletes doing well in the long distance races.

The third edition of Lake Victoria Marathon was staged at Makongoro grounds.

Tanzanian athletes performed well in the 10km race and 21km half marathon.

The men’s 10km race  was the best performed event as the winner Faraji Simba stamped the fastest time of 27 minutes and 20 seconds and his success awarded him 300,000/- cash prize.

Also with a good time of 27:39, was the runner up Edward Renatus who pocketed 200,000/- for the position.

Third overall was Isack Benjamin who spent 27: 58 to pocket 100,000/- cash.

The men’s 21km race was also very thrilling as the winner, Akankwasa Jonathan from Uganda clocked 1 hour, 04 minutes and 09  seconds to claim 400,000/- award.

The runner up was a Tanzanian Shingaye Giniki who spent 1:05:12  and pocketed 300,000/- cash prize. Third overall was Dekta Tekforce who won 200,000/- after spending 1:05:19 enroute.

The 21km half marathon for women was won by Tanzanian Neema Sanka who walked out with 400,000/- cash prize while the second-placed Diana Juma pocketed 300,000/- as the third-placed Suzan Onesmo claimed 200,000/- cash prize.

Lugendo Charles sparkled in the 10km race for women after clocking 43 minutes and 45 seconds. She pocketed 300,000/- while the second-placed  Scholastica Nyoni  who clocked 44:52 was awarded 200,000/-.

Third overall was Modesta Wilson who spent 46:57 to claim 100,000/- cash prize.

The organiser of the Transec Lake Victoria Marathon, Frank Sendwa congratulated all the athletes who  participated in the event.

He said their race has successfully raised 5m/- and the money was donated to Bugando Hospital to help children with various needs.

He said this year’s event involved 1350 athletes from the lake regions, Dar es Salaam and while those from outside Tanzania came from Kenya and Uganda.

He said the aim of the race is to promote sports and tourism in the country.

Lake zone Kilimanjaro Water was among the sponsors and through its Sales Supervisor, Gukwi Emmanuel said the company will continue supporting the Lake Zone Marathons by providing water to the athletes.

Another sponsor was KCB Bank  and through its Lake Zone Manager, Emmanuel Mzava also promised to continue supporting the event whenever they are needed.