Modest Peter Kalist touches the finishing line at the General Tyre ground last week.
BY DAVID CHIKOKO AND AMAIA ELIXMANN LOZA
Twenty-nine-year-old emerging talent Modest Peter Kalist from Katesh came from behind in style to win this year’s men’s 42-kilometre Tanfoam International Marathon last weekend at the General Tyre grounds.
He clocked 2:15:58 in his first full marathon attempt.
Kalist, who has two previous victories in the 10km category, overtook early leader Moses Mengishi in the latter stages of the race to secure victory. Mengishi finished closely second in 2:20:02 while Jonathan Akankwasa came third in 2:20:23. The winner pocketed Sh6 million.
In the women’s 42km race, Vaileth Kigasi claimed top position after finishing in 2:42:10, followed by Maureen Jepkoech a minute behind in 2:43:19 and Edina Toul in 2:44:16. Kigasi also received Sh6 million for her victory.
The half marathon (21km) saw Boay Maganga take first place in the men’s race with a time of 1:04:50. He was followed narrowly behind by Protas Gabrielin in 1:05:04 and Daniel Sinda in 1:05:21. In the women’s category, Magdalena Shauri finished first in 1:11:36 ahead of Failuna Matanga in 1:14:23 and Tunu Andrea in 1:15:01. Winners in both 21km categories were awarded Sh5 million each.
The second edition of the Tanfoam International Marathon also marked the 60th anniversary of the Arusha-based mattress manufacturing company.
Speaking after his victory, Kalist said he plans to invest the prize money in his father’s farm and in developing his athletics career.
“The road has not been smooth for me to make it this far,” he said. “I thank all the people who supported me, especially my father and coach. I owe them a lot.”
The marathon attracted over 1,000 participants from across the region and beyond, including Kenya, Uganda, the Netherlands and Norway.
