Setting the pace in Gusii

By Robert Nyasato

Japan-based Philes Ongori braved a scorching sun to win the 10,000m during the Athletics Kenya Nyanza South provincial championships at Gusii Stadium on Friday.

Ongori, winner of Sokotoko half-marathon in Nairobi last month, exchanged leads with Jackline Nyangeri of Kisii District before pulling away in the last two home laps.

She clocked 33:33.64 to win. Nyangeri came second in 35:12.53 to book a ticket to the national trials. Nyangeri was followed by Monicah Obieri of Nyamira District in 40:25.27, while compatriot Agnes Moranga came forth in 40:37.11closely followed by Merceline Mogaka of Nyamira in 41:04.29.

Speaking emerging victorious, Ongori said she used the race to rehearse for the nationals with her eyes set for the Berlin meeting which she has already met qualifying time for.

Ongori said she expected stiff competition from Linet Maasai at the nationals in the 10,000m race.

high voltage

In men’s 10,000m, Mike Mutai of High Voltage clocked 29:51.00 to win the hotly-contested race.

"I didn’t have somebody to pace for me. If I had one I would have had a better time," Mutai who came second in the Awendo 1 km road race said after completing the race.

He was followed by Ochoro in 30:00.02, while Patrick Nyambane of Kisii came third in 30:21.81.

In another highly contested race, Erick Toel of Gucha clocked 14:38.01 to clinch the 5,000m men’s title after out pacing Evans Mayaka of Nyamira District in the home stretch.

Mayaka’s teammate William Marube clocked 14:52.75 to grab position three while Edwin Mokua of Kisii came forth in 14:55.27.

Nyangeri made it in the 5,000m after clocking 17.19.98 to emerge victorious where she led from the start to the finish. Her compatriot Mackiline Ondieki came second in 17.38.60, while Johan Morata of Gucha District came third in 17.52.97.

In 3,000m steeplechase, Charles Ogari of Kisii clocked 9:28.51 to win followed by Mike Wambura of Kuria in 9:29.53. Erick Onduko of Nyamira came third in 9:32.87.

In the women’s category, Evelyne Kwamboka of High Voltage clocked 11:12.93 to win followed by Mercy Ondieki of Kisii in 11:18.76. Alexina Mineti of Masaba came third in 12:36.34.

AK Nyanza South chairman, Peter Angwenyi said people were taking athletics as serious business citing the huge turn-out of athletes for the competitions.

Angwenyi commended Rongo AK sub-branch for bringing a team to the Provincials for the first time.