Meru: Defending champion Maureen Chebor successfully retained her women’s 10,000m crown at the Betika BingwaFest National Finals in Meru, while Robert Kiprop won the men’s title at Kinoru Stadium. Chebor crossed the line in 32:17.2 to claim back-to-back titles, holding off Phanuel Yego, who finished second in 32:20.7, while Miriam Chebet completed the podium in 32:34.9.
According to Kenya News Agency, Chebor expressed her satisfaction with the victory, stating, ‘I am happy to defend the title I won in Siaya during the first edition. Today’s race was good and everything went on as I had planned. My focus now shifts to this year’s Commonwealth Games.’ Meanwhile, Kiprop, who recently participated in the Berlin Half Marathon, stunned Ebenyo to take the men’s title over 10,000m, clocking 29:06.2. Ebenyo finished second in 29:08.5, and Mathew Kipkoech secured third place in 29:09.8.
Kiprop acknowledged the tough competition, saying, ‘I am grateful for the win. I just came from Berlin, where I ran a personal best in the half-marathon and I did not expect to win today as I still have some blisters from the race. I am grateful to (Daniel) Ebenyo for pushing Kipkoech and I. We all train at Iten, and it was beautiful pushing each other. For the last lap, there were three of us at the front and we just decided to go for it as everyone fought for their position.’ Chebor and Kiprop each received prize money of Sh400,000, while the second and third-place finishers received KES 350,000 and Sh300,000, respectively.
The men’s 5,000m event also showcased intense competition, with Mathew Kipsang emerging victorious in 13:52.8, narrowly beating Amason Kireu, who finished in 13:53.55, and Gilbert Kiprotich, who secured third place in 13:54.03. Kipsang reflected on his performance, noting the importance of finishing strong, ‘I have been working on my finishing and that worked very well for me today. It is something that I picked in Tokyo last year during the World Championships because everyone was so good with their kick.’
In the women’s 5,000m, Miriam Chebet clinched her second medal of the day with a win in 15:41.4, just ahead of Cynthia Chepngeno, who finished second in 15:42.1. Joyline Chepkemoi completed the podium in 15:43.1. Athletics Kenya Athletes Representative Milcah Chemos praised the event, emphasizing its importance for athletes preparing for upcoming competitions.
In other events, Patrick Rotich led the men’s 1500m race, finishing in 3:41.0, while Naomi Korir won the women’s race in 4:15.4. Korir continued her success by claiming the 800m title, and Nicholas Kiplagat triumphed in the men’s race. Allan Kipyegon and Mercy Chebet emerged victorious in the 400m sprints, while Moses Wasike and Millicent Ndoro secured wins in the 100m finals.
In the relay events, Team Nakuru dominated both the men’s and women’s 4X100m and 4X400m relays. Team Machakos claimed the women’s 4X400m title, demonstrating strong performances throughout the competition.
