VOI, Kenya, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Former Africa cross country champion John Mwangangi confirmed his pedigree to clinch this year's Safaricom Madoka 21km marathon in Voi, southern Kenya.
The event, which was sponsored by mobile phone firm Safaricom, had a big support from China Road and Construction Company (CRBC) which is building the standard gauge railway.
There was a large Chinese presence as the company is using sports to give support back to the local community.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Hassan Wario said his ministry has entered into partnership China, Canada and Norway to establish an independent anti-doping laboratory testing center in Nairobi and also strengthen the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
"I have to loud the partnership we have with China. It is through such support that we are able to get events like this going," said Wario.
The minister thanked runners for their dedication and hardwork in athletics, saying the winners deserved the accolades.
Mwangangi, who is venturing into marathon, was in a class of his own as he claimed the victory. "I was very cautious along the way as the marathon course was slippery following heavy rains," said Mwangangi.
Mwangangi, 27 from Machakos in eastern Kenya, won the Madoka marathon in 2009 after making three appearances and was happy to bounce back in style on Saturday with another win in the race sponsored by CRBC.
"This year's event was competitive by the fact that we had many elite athletes participating. This was a good initiate for us as elite runners," said Mwangangi as he pocketed 2,500 U.S. dollars for the victory.
Nicholas Kipkemoi was second in 1:06:58 ahead of Hosea Mwok (1:07:00). In women's 21km, Winfrida Moseti aged 19 emerged the winner after clocking 1:18:23.
"My focus is to win the national Olympic trials in 10,000m and make the team to Rio Games. The victory at the Madoka marathon is a morale boost in my preparations," she said.
Lucy Cheruiyot was second in a time of 1:19:23 ahead of Eunice Kioko 1:19:27.
