Athletes feted as BingwaFest national finals enter homestretch
Titus Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech were crowned the 10,000m champions after a good outing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya
The BingwaFest national finals entered the business end on Friday with athletes being rewarded for their exploits on the track
Titus Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech were crowned the 10,000m champions after a good outing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, Siaya on Thursday. Following their triumphs, the two walked away Ksh 400,000 richer to have a share of the Ksh 12 million prize money that was up for grabs in athletics in the multi-discipline sports extravaganza set to culminate this Sunday at Mamboleo Stadium.
The first and second runners-up over 10,000m pocketed Ksh 350,000 and Ksh 300,000, respectively. Athletes who finished fourth and fifth rounding off the prize bracket received Ksh 200,000 and Ksh 100,000, in that order.
Kiprotich kicked hard in the final lap to cut the tape in 28:19.3 and finish first ahead of Robert 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 Nehemiah 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 Ksh 350,000, while the second and third place finishers won Ksh 250,000 and Ksh 200,000, respectively. Ronald Kipkorir (3:35.9) won the men’s 1,500m followed by Mathew Kipsang and Ng’eno 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 seconds followed by Mercy Chebet (51.8 seconds) as Gladys Jepkemboi (52.3 seconds took the third place. Zablon Ekwam (44.5 seconds) won the men’s race followed by Kelvin Kipkorir and David Sanayek.
The finals for the football, rugby and basketball tournaments will be held next week.
Apart from the team prizes, there will be individual recognition as well. The golden boot and golden glove winners in the football category will pocket Ksh 50,000 each while the rugby MVP and top try scorer will receive Ksh 50,000 each. In basketball, winners in the dunking competition will pocket Ksh 50,000 while those in the 3-point challenge will go home with Ksh 30,000.
