Uhuru Classic Nairobi City Marathon: Misoi, Barsosio storm to victory in inaugural race

It is safe to conclude that Brimin Misoi is the king of marathon running in Nairobi as the 32-year-old coasted to a comfortable win in the inaugural Uhuru Classic Nairobi City Marathon to claim his third win in the 42-km in as many attempts. 

Misoi who ventured into road running in 2006, first tasted victory in the 2017 edition of the Standard Chartered Marathon and would defend his title two years later. 

The lanky runner who trains in Elgeyo is now Ksh. 6.9 million richer after breaking sweat on part of the newly-constructed Nairobi Expressway and other roads within the city in two hours, eight minutes and thirty seconds to be crowned the winner of the first edition. 

On stand by at the finish line at the Nyayo National Stadium to receive the new millionaire in town was President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries who had patiently waited for him and other athletes from either genders and races. 

Shortly after cutting the tape, Misoi who intends to use the windfall in uplifting the living standards of his family revealed that race to the gold medal began shaping up after the 35-km mark.

He said he began drifting away from the rest after navigating the 35th kilometer and necking drinks when he summoned his energies and maintained the breathtaking pace to win the most expensive marathon in the continent. 

The 2018 Athens Marathon winner was joined by Agnes Barsosio who clocked 2:24:45 in clinching the top honors. 

"The start wasn't good as space was limited and hence many athletes stumbled and others were thrown off balance. It affected my start but I recovered and began surging forward. After 35 kilometers, I made the decision to increase the pace and my body reacted positively, " he said. 

While Misoi admitted that the race was slightly tough, the experienced Barsosio said she had an easy time in winning the lady's marathon. 

She said her longevity in marathon racing come in handy in navigating through the course and predicted similar good outings in the subsequent edition. 

"I did not experience difficulties in the race at all. I have quite some experience when it comes to covering the 42 kilometers and today was no different," she remarked. 

Asked on how she had planned for the race given that the scramble for the podium would be high if the cash prize was anything to go by, she said she was at ease in her preparations and was certain of carrying the day. 

Barsosio called on the organizers to ensure that the event runs every year to offer a chance to local long-distance athletes to race at home. 

"The last time I won in excess of six million in a race was in China. It feels good to see the stakes being risen to world class level and it is my hope that it shall be held annually," she added. 

Barsosio beat Shyline Jepkorir and Sharon Jemutai who came in second and third in 2:29:04 and 2:29:37 respectively. 

Misoi on the other hand was followed to the podium by Richard Rop and Daniel Yazor who clocked 2:09:17 and 2:10:15.