President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday led the nation in congratulating London Marathon winners Mary Keitany and Daniel Wanjiru terming their triumphs “a great win for Kenya”.
Keitany shuttered Paula Radcliffe’s 14 year-old World Record by 41 seconds to set a new one in a time of 2:17:01.
Wanjiru on the other hand held off a late charge from Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele to win the men’s race in 2:05:48 on his debut appearance at the competition.
“Proud of Daniel Wanjiru’s men’s elite race win,” said the president of the 24 year old.
“I congratulate Mary Keitany for her win and for breaking the women only marathon World Record! You have made Kenya proud,” added the president on his twitter handle.
Deputy President William Ruto described the wins as “proud moment for Kenya”.
“Kudos to Daniel Wanjiru for winning men’s race, shrugging off stiff competition from Kenenisa,” tweeted the DP.
Youth and Gender Affairs CS Sicily Kariuki also congratulated Keitany for her exemplary performance.
She said her victory represented the true spirit of Kenyan women of determination, focus and God fearing.
“Keitany is a mother of two, which makes her achievements even more remarkable; she has proven that Kenyan women are resilient and world beaters,” said the CS.
Kariuki urged Kenyan girls to emulate the discipline, strength and ethics of Keitany and other great Kenyan female athletes like Catherine Nderaba, Tegla Loroupe, Edna Kiplagat and Florence Kiplagat.
“Learn from these great champions, these are your true role models, these – strong, focused and determined women who are respected and celebrated globally,” she said.
Another Kenyan great 5000m Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot who made her debut at the London marathon finished fourth.
Vivian’s other great accolades include winning the World’s Best 10km race in Puerto Rico in 2009 and the Great Manchester 10km run in 2010.
Source link-the-star.co.ke
