ITEN - In a remarkable display of stamina and speed, Kevin Kibet emerged victorious in the men's category of the first-ever Iten Trail Run, covering 25 kilometers in 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 19 seconds. On the women's side, Gladys Kemboi secured the top spot, completing the race in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 40 seconds. The event took place in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, renowned for its production of world-class long-distance runners.

According to Kenya News Agency, the competition was fierce, with Kipsang Cheboi and Sammy Rotich finishing closely behind Kibet, clocking in at 1:47:27 and 1:47:41, respectively. In the women's race, Caroline Cheptanui and Joan Kigen claimed the second and third spots with times of 2:13:54 and 2:14:04, respectively.

The athletes expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to compete in the Iten Trail Run, viewing it as an excellent preparation for future races. The event rewarded its top finishers generously, with the winners in both the male and female categories receiving Sh100,000 each, while the runners-up received Sh60,000, and those in third place were awarded Sh50,000.

Dubois announced plans to make the Iten Trail Run an annual fixture in the county's calendar, highlighting Iten's legacy in distance running. The Deputy Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Prof. Grace Cheserek, extended her congratulations to the winners and urged athletes to maintain clean sportsmanship by avoiding performance-enhancing drugs. This sentiment was reinforced by Purity Koima, the Sports County Executive Committee member, who emphasized the importance of fair play and integrity in sports.

Koima further noted that the Iten Trail Run is not only a celebration of competitive spirit but also acts as a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a culture of excellence in athletics within the region. With its successful debut, the Iten Trail Run is set to become a key event in Kenya's running calendar, attracting talent from across the nation and beyond.