It was a double victory for Maureen Chebor Jepkoech, defending her title second edition of Rift Valley Betika BingwaFest Extravaganza at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru County today.
Jepkoech won both the women’s 10,000m and 5,000m while Daniel Kimaiyo claimed the men’s 5,000m crown with Richard Etir secured the men’s 10,000m bragging rights.
After retaining her Athletics Kenya Cross Country 10km title in Machakos last weekend, she opened her day in the morning session with a dominant run in the 10,000m finals. She broke away from the leading pack with three laps to go to win in 32:07.5.
2015 World U18 2,000m steeplechase silver medallist Sandrafelis Chebet settled for second in 32:22.1, while Brenda Chepchirchir clocked 32:26.3 for third. 2013 World 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono narrowly missed the podium after finishing fourth in 32:38.9.
In the afternoon, the 21-year-old Jepkoech sealed a memorable double by winning the women’s 5,000m in 15:40.8. Caroline Kariba (15:46.4) and Rebecca Mwangi (15:46.8) completed the podium.
“I feel happy that I was able to clinch two victories today. I was well prepared for this performance. The competition was tough, but I had to be tougher as I tested both my speed and endurance. I usually focus on both during training as I prepare for the regional cross country, where I hope to represent North Rift at the Nationals in October (25),” said Jepkoech.
In the men’s 5,000m, 2022 World U20 1,500m bronze medallist Daniel Kimaiyo stormed to victory in 13:23.6, finishing almost 20 seconds ahead of Vincent Lagat (13:40.6), while Gideon Rono claimed third in 13:41.3.
The men’s 10,000m race proved tightly contested, but Japan-based Richard Etir outpaced Kelvin Chesang to win in 28:19.5. Chesang followed about six seconds later in 28:25.2, while Ronald Kipkoech took third in 28:27.7.
Gold medalists in the 10,000m walked away with KES 300,000, while the first and second runners-up received KES 250,000 and KES 200,000, respectively. Fourth and fifth-place finishers earned KES 100,000 and KES 75,000.
In the 5,000m, winners bagged KES 250,000, runners-up earned KES 150,000, while third, fourth, and fifth place received KES 100,000, KES 50,000, and KES 30,000.
For the 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1,500m races, the top five were also rewarded: gold medalists collected KES 150,000, silver medalists KES 100,000, bronze medalists KES 60,000, while fourth and fifth finishers earned KES 30,000 and KES 20,000, respectively.
Following the successful launch of the second BingwaFest Extravaganza in the Rift Valley region, focus now shifts to the next series, scheduled for the Nyanza Region from September 22–28.
Assorted results
Women
1,500m
1. Diana Chepteek 4:13.1
2. Nelvin Jepkemoi 4:14.4
3. Winfred Mbithe 4:16.1
4. Sharon Chepkemoi 4:21.5
5. Caren Chepngeno 4:21.8
5,000m
1. Maureen Chebor 15:40.8
2. Caroline Kariba 15:46.4
3. Rebbeca Mwangi 15:46.8
4. Brenda Chepchumba 15:47.4
5. Sandrafelis Chebet 15:47.6
10,000m
1. Maureen Chebor 32:07.5
2. Sandrafelis Chebet 32:22.1
3. Brenda Chepchirchir 32:26.3
4. Mercy Cherono 32:38.9
5. Regina Wamboi 32:48.4
Men
100m
1. Tyson Juma 9.9
2. Moses Wasike 10.0
3. Justine Isaboke 10.1
4. Dennis Mwai 10.4
5. Hesbon Ochieng 10.9
400m
1. Allan Kipyego 45.8
2. Danson Kibet 46.4
3. Gilbert Nyamau 47.1
4. Joshua Wanyonyi 47.5
5. Simon Abala 47.7
800m
1. Laban Chepkwony 1:45.58
2. Ferguson Rotich 1:47.06
3. Cornelius Tuwei 1:47.46
4. Collins Kipkoech 1:47.82
5. Peter Elakile 1:48.15
1,500m
1. Amos Kiprotich 3:40.8
2. Duncan Waweru 3:41.0
3. Patrick Rotich 3:41.3
4. Justus Kipkoech 3:41.8
5. Carlos Kipruto 3:42.7
5,000m
1. Daniel Kimaiyo 13:23.6
2. Vincent Lagat 13:40.6
3. Gideon Rono 13.41.3
10,000m
1. Richard Etir 28:19.5
2. Kelvin Chesang 28:25.2
3. Ronald Kipkoech 28:27.7
4. Shadrack Kipngetich 28:31.2
5. Kelvin Kiplagat 28:31.3