Under-20 stars shine at North Rift regional championship

The men's 5000m action at the North Rift regional track and field championships on June 15, 2025. [Courtesy]

Under-20 and 18 stars have produced stellar performances at the North Rift regional track and field championships at the Transcend Talent Academy in Trans Nzoia.

The regional events were used to identify potential junior athletes for future Under-20 showpieces.

Melvin Lekeyia from Samburu stormed to an Under-20 10,000m victory, beating West Pokot's Alex Pelor by a second in the thrilling competition staged in the high-altitude Cherangany.

Lekeyia secured his win in an impressive 29:46.8, while Pelor stopped the timer in 29:50.2, as Simon Kipngetich, representing Elgeyo Marakwet, sealed the podium position in 30:22.2.

"My target is to improve my time through training hard so that I can represent the country, especially during the next World Under-20 championships," the 16-year-old athlete said.

The 2026 World Championships will be hosted at the Hayward Field in Eugene, USA.

Emmanuel Kiprono of Elgeyo Marakwet powered to a convincing win in the men's Under-18 3000m race.

Kiprono, who is also harbouring a lofty dream of making Kenyan team for the Under-20 championships, claimed victory in 8:05.1 ahead of Benson Kipngosi, also from Elgeyo Marakwet, who came in second.

Kipngosi clocked 8:25.4 for the second position, as West Pokot's Raphael Kiptoo, who ran 8:26.7, placed third.

Vivian Chepkopush (West Pokot), Ruth Borgut (Trans Nzoia) and Faith Kanda (Elgeyo Marakwet) took the top three places in the women's Under-18 3000m competition, respectively.

"I'm happy for the win, and this is a big motivation for me. My dream is to be among the best long-distance track athletes," said Chepkopush.

Rehema Chepkorir, representing Trans Nzoia, savoured sweet victory in the Under-20 women's 3000m in 9:59.7, defeating Annet Chebet (Trans Nzoia) and Mercy Jerotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), who timed 10:02.3 and 10:30.9 respectively.

Under-20 and Under-18 stars also chased glory in the sprints and field events, showcasing talents in 100m, 400m and hurdles as well as shot put, high jump and javelin.

Lina Chebet (Trans Nzoia) and Gibson Kiprotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) were crowned champions of the Under-20 1500m races while Christine Otukei (Trans Nzoia) and Nahashon Pkiach (West Pokot) triumphed in the women's and men's 800m respectively.

The Central Rift regional track and field was also run in Kapsabet, while Central Kenya staged its event in Thika.