By Robert Nyasato

Three time World champion Philip Mosima made a triumphant comeback after four years off track during the Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza South Provincial championships at the Kisii Golf Course.

Mosima could have claimed victory but fell after one lap after developing a stitch. However, he was on his feet again to maintain second position behind Justus Mogire of Bobaru throughout the race.

Mogire led from the start to finish line, posting a time of 37:22.88 to win the 12km senior men’s race ahead of Mosima, who clicked 37:50.82 in front of a large crowd that included AK Secretary General David Okeyo and Branch Chairman Peter Angwenyi.

Running for Masaba South, Benson Nakeri came third in 37:54.43, followed by Declerk Omari of Nyamira North in 38:15.69. Omari’s teammate Geoffrey Bundi finished fifth in 38:31.51 ahead of Masaba North’s Moses Nkeiyua (38:43.27).

Mosima, 34, who got an injury after winning the 10km in Tokyo, Japan, in 2007, said he was participating in local races to regain his form before venturing out.

"I have recovered and want to test my energy locally...so far, I have participated in three races," he said.

In the 8km senior women, Caroline Nyakagwa of Keroka upset seasoned runners including Japan-based Philes Ongori and Jackline Nyangeri to win the race in 28:37.34.

Ongori came second in 29:24.55 followed by Irene Mongare of Nyamira in 29:37.44, while Nyangeri of Kisii Central came third in 30:30.26. Yunes Onyancha and Rose Maranga of Keroka clocked 31:16.69 and 32:20.39 respectively to fall in the qualifiers bracket for the national trails.

In the 8km junior men, pre-race favourite Edwin Mokua of Kisii Central did not disappoint after overcoming stiff challenge from Enock Omwamba of Masaba North to win in 24:35.67. Omwamba timed 24:37.94 to finish second.

Duke Mokanga of Masaba North came third in 24:38.87, closely followed by compatriot Justine Sankele in 24:55.70. Teammates Joshua Nakeri and James Nakeri followed in 25:07.17 and 25:15.33 respectively.

In the 6km junior women’s race, Winfrida Moseti of Manga won the race in 21:58.93, followed by Damaris Areba of Nyamira in 22:09.36. Areba finished ahead of teammate Teresa Omosa who returned in 22:15.95, followed by Gladys Mongare of Masaba South in 22:34.62. Nyamira’s Lydia Orango came fifth in 22:38.91 ahead of Ezna Onkeo of Masaba North in 22:41.72.

Masaba South, home to Keroka Technical Training Institute, a high altitude training camp dominated the event.

In his speech, Okeyo praised Mosima saying he was a role model for upcoming athletes and welcomed his return to the track.

"I am really impressed by Mosima’s performance given that he had stayed out for over four years," said Okeyo, who asked other runners to remain disciplined.