Reigning Los Angeles marathon champion Stacy Jepkemoi Ndiwa and former Africa Cross country bronze medalist Charles Mneira Yosei were the winners of the second edition of Betika 15km Iten Road race held in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Ndiwa, the former Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist won the race when she timed 51:13.9 in one of the heavily contested race that started at the Bugar area, completing in Iten town.
With her intention to compete for the country at the World championships in Budapest, Hungary, the Mount Elgon born runner is optimistic that she will cut into the team.
“Today’s race was too tough especially on hilly sides. But I managed to win as I focus for world championships,” said Ndiwa.
The former Africa Athletics championships 10,000m champion added that the race was part of her training ahead of Boston 10km set for next month in the USA.
“This is also part of my endurance training ahead of Boston 10km title chase. I want to do well on the land after winning Los Angeles last month,” said Ndiwa who is returning from maternity leave after a long time out of competition.
Fresh from setting the pace at the London marathon, Catherine Reline said that her finishing in second position was due to lack of proper training, which she wants to rectify in the next race.
“I had a few days in training to compete in this race after pacing in London. However, I satisfied with the position,” she said after clocking 51.21.2 with Naomi Jebet coming third at 51:25.8.
Yosei, who has dominated in all areas said his focus will be to compete at the world championships come August.
He won the title in 45:05.6 ahead of Weldon Kipkirui Lagat (45:19.7) and Maxwell Rotich completing the podium in 45:24.9.
“This is part my training ahead of world championships trials. I need to make the team to Budapest,” said Yosei.
Second placed Lagat he also needs to be in the team for the world championships, competing in the 10,000m
Selected results
Men
- Charles Mneira Yosei- 45:05.6
- Weldon Kipkirui lagat- 45:19.7
- Maxwell Rotich- 45:24.9
- Collins Kipkorir- 45:30.9
- Kelvin Kibiwott- 45:45.1
- Martin Mumo- 45:58.9
Women - Stacy Jepkemoi Ndiwa- 51:13.9
- Catherine Reline- 51:21.2
- Naomi Jebet- 51:25.8
- Rachel Jebet- 51:49.6
- Wilfridah Moseti- 52:08.8
- Agnes Barsosio- 52:21.5