Nakuru’s region runner triumphs in 10,000m women race at Kagumo

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Gladys Jepngetich of Baraton, representing Nakuru region, displayed great running skills to win 10,000m women race during the Inter-collegiate Athletics and Rugby Championships at Kagumo in Nyeri yesterday.

She won in time of 38:44 minutes to be crowned new queen of teachers games.

Elizeba Cheruiyot of Tambach of Nakuru too crossed the came second timing 39:29 followed by Irene Jebitok of Lake region and Asumbi (42:41) and Northern’s Esther Wambui of Kigari finished fourth in 42:54.

The race started on fast pace and by the second lap, a leading pack of four athletes led by  Jepngetich had emerged.

Jepngetich opted to go on her own after three laps and there was no doubt that the ambitious long distance runner was going for big victory.

In the fifth lap, she opened 200m with her closest challenger.

Jepngetich was in bullish mood as she went ahead to overlap  Metropolitan champion Mercy Kiptanui by the 10th lap.

Honouring the advice of her regional coach Reuben Kisiroche to clear “opposition” in front, Jepngetich adhered by overlapping everybody insight including bronze medallist Jebitok.

Jepngetich said: “I knew I was going to win the race because I had convincingly won the regional event.”

Kisoroche said: “I kept on encouraging Jepngetich to up pace and break the national record but she failed to hit the target by seconds,” he said.

In 10,000m men’s walk race, Simon Cheruiyot of Mosoriot timed 52.47. to emerge the winner. Bramuel Wafula of Machakos (53.22) and Henry Chege of Aberdare (56.35) claimed silver and bronze.

Hammer men’s honours went to St Mary’s Felix Mbithe who threw 21.84m followed by Fabian Ngetich of Tambach (21.32m) and Kericho’s Job Wafula who managed 21.08.

In long jump men, Yegon Kibet of Lake region cleared 6.36m to claim the title, while Nakuru’s duo of Mutai Kiptarbei (6.17m) and Henry Chege of Aberdare (56.35m) were second and third.

In rugby men, Metropolitan champions Kitui won their two opening matches after they beat Baringo 7-0 and edged out Bondo 5-0.

In other matches, Egoji defeated Migori 14-0 and Kamwenja 12-5, Migori drew 1-1 with Kamwenja.

In women’s category, Eregi drew 5-5 with Kigari, Thogoto outclassed Kericho 17-0, Kigari edged out Kamagambo 5-0 while Eregi beat Kamagambo 12-5 in group matches played. The championships feature seven regions.