KUCHING: A runner from Kenya, Mburu John Muiruri emerged as Kuching Marathon 42km Men Open champion while his fellow countrywoman, Maragaret Wangui Njuguna is champion for the 42km Women Open. Mburu finished the marathon in 2 hours and 2 minutes (02:20:22) while Maragaret clocked in at 2 hours and 53 minutes (02:52:42) to finish it.
Winners from both the Men Open and Women Open were given RM8,500 each while the first and second runners-up received RM3,500 and RM2,000 each respectively.
Speaking during the prize presentation ceremony, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, representing Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the state government will continue to support such events which benefited the people and the tourism industry in the state.
He said, the Kuching Marathon had grown from strength to strength since the first inaugural event in 2014. “This shows that this event has attracted keen interest and enthusiasm among the marathon runners and enthusiasts alike.
“The state government, on its part, is keen to continue this event and see it grow even bigger as I believe there is high potential of runners from countries like China, Australia, and Indonesia joining this marathon in the future,” said Snowdan.
More than 10,000 runners from more than 20 countries took part in the this year’s four categories, namely, 42km (full marathon), 21km (half marathon), 10km and 5km. Also present were Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor, Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, Kuching Marathon 2018 advisor, Dato Steve Ng and other distinguished guests.
the winners of the various categories of Kuching Marathon 2018. PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI
