MONEY’S ALL WE WANT!
Kenyans dominate Ba Isago Half Marathon
Long distance runners from Kenya dominated the podium at the just ended Ba Isago 21st anniversary half marathon in Francistown this past Saturday.
To commemorate 21 years of existence, the university hosted a marathon, with all proceeds going into the construction of a chicken run in Mabesekwa village. Upon completion, the project will be handed over to Village Development Committee.
The 21km category for both males and females was snatched by Kenyan duo, Lazarus Too and Monica Jepkori, with impressive times of 1hr 10mins 22s and 1hr 17min 59s respectively.
Lopang Oontse and Sonny Matlho saved the locals’ faces, clinching silver and bronze behind Too.
It was, however, a clean sweep for the Kenyans on the ladies’ side as Gladys Cheruiyot (1hr 18mins 01s) and Risper Kamaiyo (1hr 18mins 14s) took silver and bronze medals ahead of their local challengers. The race went down to the wire, with Jepkori piping her countrywomen by just two seconds in a dramatic finish!
Both the male and female overall winners received P6,000 in cash, while the runners-up received P4,500 and P3,500 for bronze medal.
The Kenyans, who have been in the country for a couple of months to compete in marathons across Botswana, told Voice Sport in an exclusive interview that their attraction to the country is purely money.
“Money is all we want,” said Too, who had just made P6,000 in a little over an hour.
“We came here as individuals, not as members of any club or country, and our main goal was to attend all of the marathons scheduled for this season and make money,” he said.
The athletes, who are presently based in Gaborone, disclosed that they’ve so far competed in the BTC, Orange, and Marobela marathons and have been performing extremely well.
“We’ll be here until the conclusion of the season,” Too said, adding that they now have their eyes set on the 42km UB Marathon this Sunday.