Organizers of the second edition of Save the Kakamega Forest half marathon are disappointed with the performance of runners from Western Province.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Western Province branch secretary Simon Shikanga, said no single athlete from the region finished in the top five. Vincent Kipruto won the men's 21-km race while Dusseldorf Marathon champion, Agnes Barsosio won the women's category. The 10km and bicycle races witness similar mediocre show for runners from the region.

But although stakeholders raised concerns over the failure by runners from the region to rise up to the occasion, Shikanga blamed it on late registration.

He said the first edition last year had good turnout because enough time was given to register the runners unlike this year's event which took only a day.

Mumias Sugar Company has promised to raise the profile of athletics in the region sponsoring more events. The company's public affairs and communications officer, Athman Wangara said they will endeavor to nurture athletics talents.