Koech and Mweresa win in Thika

Ronald Koech celebrates after winning the 200m race at the second Athletics Kenya Track and Field meeting in Thika on March 1, 2025. [AK Media]

Newcomer Ronald Kiprono Koech announced his arrival in style as Boniface Mweresa, the 2015 African 400m silver medallist, showed class at the final day of the second Athletics Kenya (AK) track and field meeting in Thika, storming to victory in the men’s 100m final.

Koech produced a superb performance to win the men’s 200m in 21.3.

“I started serious training for 200m last year under coach Perpetual Mbutu and I think my progression is heading for the right direction,” said Koech who picked up running while still a student at Koyiet secondary’s school in Bomet County. 

Mweresa clocked a 10.1 seconds, edging out Dennis Mwai and Isaac Omurwa, who both crossed the line in 10.2 seconds in 100m final.

“My target is to get a personal best over  100m and 200m before running my first 400m race,” Mweresa said.

Obadiah Kipleting clocked 1:48.4 to win the men’s 800m with David Toroitich (1:48.7) and Dominic Kiptoo (1:49.0) completing the podium.

2024 Paris Olympian Vivian Chebet stormed to a 2:11.0 finish in the women’s 800m leading Vanice Kerubo (2:13.6) and Jacinta Abese (2:14.0).

In men’s 3000m steeplechase, Wilberforce Kones dominated in 9:00.0, ahead of Samuel Kiprop (9:10.5) and Brian Kipruto (9:16.6). 

Kones admitted to limited preparation but used the race to test his fitness.

“I feel good having won, although I had not done sufficient preparation for this race,” he said.