Titus Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech were emerged winners of the men’s and women’s 10,000m race respectively during the ongoing Bingwa Fest sports extravaganza in Kisumu.
The race was however held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, Siaya.
Following their win each received Ksh.400,000.The rest of the races finals are set to be held this Sunday when the festival will culminate at Mamboleo Stadium,Kisumu.
Kiprotich kicked hard in the final lap to cut the tape in 28:19.3 and finish first ahead of Ribert Kiprop and Kenneth Kiprono who timed 28:22.2 and 28:24.4, respectively, to seal the podium.
On her part, Jepkoech stopped the clock at 33:22.8, with Miriam Chebet (33:23.5) and Mercy Cherono (33:24.1) settling for the second and third places respectively.
In the 5,000m race, Amason Sampao and Loice Chepkemoi emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Sampao’s time of 13:36.6 saw him better Victor Kipruto and Nehemia Kirui who were second and third. In the women’s race, Chepkemoi (15:30.4) was followed by Caren Jebet(15:31.3) and Daisila Cherono (15:31.8).
The winners over 5,000m took home KES 350,000, while the second and third place finishers won KES 250,000 and KES 200,000, respectively. The fourth and fifth received KES 150,000 and KES 100,000 each.
Ronald Kipkorir (3:35.9) won the men’s 1,500m followed by Mathew Kipsang and Ngeno Kipngetich while Purity Chepkirui won the women’s race with Miriam Cheprop and Vivian Chebet taking the second and third places respectively.
Mercy Oketch, who headlines Kenya’s 400m team for the World Athletics Relays in China, stormed to victory in 51.4 followed by Mercy Chebet (51.8) as Gladys Jepkemboi (52.3) took the third place. Zablon Ekwam (44.5) won the men’s race followed by Kelvin Kipkorir and David Sanayek.
The first and second runners-up over 10,000m pocketed KES 350,000 and KES 300,000, respectively. Athletes who finished fourth and fifth to round off the prize bracket received KES 200,000 and KES 100,000, in that order.
Championship sponsors Betika through their Brand Manager Eric Mwiti were ectstatic of the impact of the race ahead of the Sunday finals.
“Well done to all the winners who triumphed at Siaya. It’s an action-packed weekend and we hope to see fans coming out in large numbers to support their teams and cheer them on. Apart from the sports action, we are also having a medical camp that is free of charge for all,” Mwiti said.