Mutuku, Kioko rule Southern region meet

Dennis Mutuku on his way to winning men's 10,000m race in Machakos . [Courtesy]

Denis Mutuku clocked 29:30.27 to secure a place in the forthcoming National Championship in the 10,000m race during the Southern Regional Athletics Track and Field Competitions at the Machakos Teachers College on Saturday.

Mutuku will be in the company of Joseph Mutyanthei who finished second (30:27.22).

The National Championship is scheduled for June 22-24 at Nyayo Stadium.

In the women's category, Christine Kioko will carry the region's hope after posting 35:19.4 ahead of second placed Mary Nzula (36:25.8) and Ruth Nundu(36:39.7) who finished third.

Emmanuel Mutua (1:51.47) and Setek Mapi(1:51.82) and Faith Kamandi (2:28.30) will represent the region in the 800m men and women's race.

In men's steeplechase, Solomon Mutuku and Edward Mutunga crossed the tape in 8:53.82 and 9:02.89 to qualify for the national finals.

The one-day event was graced by athletics legend led by former marathon world record holder Patrick Makau, Kenya Defence Forces athletics coach Catherine Makau, US-based medic Felix Kasyoka, Benjamin Ndaya and John Wambua.

Kasyoka called on the upcoming athletes to be disciplined and run clean to succeed.

Once again Athletics Kenya vice chairman and Southern Kenya region chairman Paul Mutwii urged athletes to desist from doping.

"Every time you take something, including medication bought in chemists, make sure to know exactly what substance you are taking in terms of its chemical composition. Some contain elements of banned substances," said Mutwii.

"The government is concerned. It has ordered Athletics Kenya to hunt down those involved in doping. Those who will be caught will now be jailed. Those who fail the doping test while working in the forces will first lose their jobs. Therefore, stop this completely."