Attending a top class stars field with steeplechasers Richard Mateelong and Paul Kipsiele Koech spicing up the action alongside Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru who launched his preparations for April’s London Marathon at the Ngong Racecourse.

However, it was another marathon specialist, Geoffery Mutai, who carried the day with a brave show of front-running from the second half of the race that saw him emerge victorious in 37:41.

Mutai ran a tactical race, sizing up the opposition in the first half as usual suspects Gideon Ngatuny, a champion here in 2007 and Sammy Kitwara throwing down the gauntlet.

Philemon Kimeli and Vincent Yator then took up the challenge at five kilometres before Mutai burst to the front, Yator going with him.

And with about 200 metres to go, Mutai, running for the day’s overall champions, the CID team, took off, Yator failing to respond and settling for second for the Kenya Airport Police Unit in 37:43.

“It was a tough race but I’m happy I won and I’m sure this is my year,” Mutai, 10th at the national trials here last year said.

“I hope this time round I will make the team to the World championships,” said the 2:07 marathoner (Eindhoven 2009) who has clocked a PB of 59:30 (Valencia 2009) in the half marathon.