Nairobi — Thirty four-year-old Machakos-based runner, Peter Mutisya won the Mombasa International Marathon when he clocked two hours 12 minutes 46 seconds Sunday.

Mutisya, who beat a field of 76 marathoners in the 42km race, failed to shatter last year's mark of 2:10.46 set by John Keter of Kitale.

Phyllis Chelagat of Eldoret won the women's race when she returned 2:4916, also failing to break last year's record time of 2:28.15 set by Pamela Chemutai of Rift Valley.

Mutisya said he was happy to have won the event, his first victory, adding that it had given him hope to win more marathon races in future.

"It is my wish to take part in the marathon and win outside the country," he said.

Motira Dismas from Kapsabet, who won the World Aids Marathon in Kisumu last year, finished second in a time of 2:13.35, as Karatina's Patrick Wachira claimed third position after clocking 2:14.13.

Wachira, who led up to 32kms, said lack of experience cost him the victory.

The women's category winner Phyllis Chelagat, 25, said it was her first attempt at Mombasa Marathon.

"The victory has given me confidence to win other races. I intend to participate and become one of top runners," she said.

Sylvia Chemeli finished second when she returned 2:49.18, Susan Chemtai of KPA was third (2:54.33) as Mashambani's Olivia Magoma claimed fourth spot (2:55.26).

In the men's 10km race, Elijah Mutori of Mashambani emerged the winner after clocking 33:26.86, followed by Patrick Mwaka (33:42.51) and Erastus Mumo taking third position (33:42.80).

Miriam Musengya of Nairobi was the 10km women's champion when she took 39:43.23, to beat second-placed Susan Kiplagat of Keiyo.