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.
MOMBASA – In a tightly contested FKF Kenya Premier League (KPL) match at the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday, Bandari FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Gor Mahia, marking a memorable farewell to their home grounds before it undergoes renovations. Fidel Origa was the hero of the day, scoring the only goal of the match in the 38th minute, assisted by Nahimana Shasshiri’s precise pass, to hand Gor Mahia their second defeat of the season.
According to Kenya News Agency, the win was particularly significant as it not only brought the point gap between Gor Mahia, the league leaders, and Bandari down to seven points but also kept the title race wide open. Baraza lauded his team’s effort against a formidable opponent and expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their unwavering support. He highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion, as the match served as a send-off for the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club, which will be closed for a six-month renovation project costing over Sh300 million.
Despite the loss, Gor Mahia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, praised his team’s performance, noting their effective execution of the game plan and their ability to maintain pressure on Bandari. McKinstry pointed out the missed scoring opportunities as a crucial difference in the outcome but remained optimistic about his team’s prospects for retaining the title. He emphasized the importance of looking ahead, reminding that the championship is decided in May, not March, and expressed confidence in their continued contention for the league title.
The match was not just a battle for points but also an emotional moment for Bandari FC and its fans, as it marked the last game at their historic home stadium before it temporarily shuts its doors for upgrades. The renovation is set to enhance the facility but will temporarily deprive the team of the direct support of their local fans in Mombasa.