Nairobi: Diana Wanza was the standout athlete during the Nairobi Region BingwaFest showdown held at the Kasarani Annex over the weekend, clinching gold in the women’s 10,000m and 5,000m races to go home Sh550,000 richer.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 26-year-old opened the day by clocking 33:18.7 in the 10,000m race during the morning session, finishing ahead of Diana Chepkemoi and Regina Wambui, who timed 33:50.4 and 34:00.0, respectively. Wanza was awarded Sh300,000 for triumphing in the 10,000m, as Chepkemoi pocketed Sh250,000, with Wambui taking home Sh200,000.
Wanza then stopped the clock in 16:04.2 in the 5,000m to earn Sh250,000 more, leading Chepkemoi again, who clocked 16:31.5, as Mercy Jelimo (16:35.6) came home third to seal the podium places. Speaking after her double triumph, Wanza expressed satisfaction with her performance and looked forward to the national finals.
In the men’s 10,000m race, Anthony Kibiwot (29:27.7) finished first, ahead of Silas Senchura and Ernest Kimutai. Ezekiel Letaya won the men’s 5,000m, clocking 14:00.8, followed by Gideon Kipngetich and Gerald Kipkemboi.
Judy Kemunto (4:17.3) claimed victory in the women’s 1500m race, with Pauline Muhonja Ndusu and Diana Chepkemoi finishing second and third, respectively. The men’s race was won by Obadiah Kipleting (3:48.5), with Wycliff Meibuko Sikiyio and Edger Chege completing the podium.
Kelvin Kiprotich emerged as the winner in the men’s 400m, clocking 46.3, ahead of David Sanayek and Allan Kipyego, while Mercy Adongo won the women’s race in 54.5 seconds, with Joan Cherono and Gladys Muthoni following.
Louis Khawel stormed to victory in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.2 seconds, beating Hesborn Odour and Steve Odhiambo. Mercy Aketch clocked 12.0 seconds to win the women’s race, followed by Ivon Namuma and Valerine Gakeni.
Purity Chepkirui, bound for the World Cross Country Championship, won the women’s 800m in 2:06.2, ahead of Faith Chebet and Pauline Muhonja Ndusu. Kelvin Kimtai (1:47.6) won the men’s race, finishing ahead of Nicholas Kiplagat and Brian Masai.
In the relay events, Blaze won the women’s 4X100m, with Prisons and Beyond Barriers coming second and third. KDF led the men’s 4X100m, followed by Utawala A and Team Nairobi. KDF also dominated the 4X400m race, winning gold, with Eldoret and Prisons finishing second and third. Blaze excelled in the women’s 4X400m, followed by Police and Mombasa.
The focus now shifts to the fifth leg of the season, scheduled to take place in Meru from December 15 to 21, 2025.
