Nelly Jeptanui and David Biwott shone in their races as Open Africa Masters Athletics trials kicked off today at the Nyayo national stadium today.
Jeptnaui from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) won the 1,500m 35-39 years old in the opening day of the trials ahead of the continental championship that will be held at the same venue between November 22nd to 27th 2021 where Kenya will be seeking to defend the title they won in the last edition in Tunisia with 40 medals —31 gold, eight silver and a bronze.
She won the title in 4:48.8 beating Beatrice Jepchumba to second in 4:58.2 and Florence Malyunga completing the podium in 5:08.7.
Biwott (16:10.5) won the men’s 5,000m in the age category of 50-54 years ahead of Joshua Kipchumba (16:17.0) and Samuel Maina (18:10.7).
Nelson Kipyego was the 60-64 years category winning the same race in 18:59.0 defeating James Miaka (20:47.4) and John Githinji (21:23.0).
Joseph Karaiyu was the 65-69 champion when he timed 25:17.4 as Peter Gathuku (27:23.0) and Joel Ismael (27:31.0).