Janet Chepng’etich and Kelvin Kibiwott were crowned winners of the 14th edition of the Mozzart Bet Re-Discover Nandi 10km road race held in Kapsabet, Nandi County on Monday.
Kibiwott, who clinched the men’s title in a time of 29:53.60, said he was using the race to prepare for the upcoming 10km road race later this year in Brasov, Romania, where he will be going for the title.
The 23-year-old who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, stated that he had trained well for the race and was optimistic that he would win.
“The first time I participated in this race, I secured the 20th position. Last year, I became number ten, but I did not give up. This year I decided to put in a lot of effort that’s why I am the winner,” said Kibiwott.
In the women’s category, Chepng’etich from Nakuru County secured the first position in a time of 34:20.98, followed by Beatrice Cheserek from Elgeyo Marakwet County, and in the third position was Marion Kibor from Nandi County.
Speaking to KNA after bagging the victory, Chepng’etich, also 23 years old, stated that she registered an unsatisfactory performance last year in the competitions and attributed this year’s victory to serious practise in Keringet Camp in Nakuru County.
“Having won the competitions today, I would like to participate in the Olympics next year and I believe I have what it takes,” stated an excited Chepng’etich.
The competitions were graced by athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and the US.
Speaking during the awarding of the victors at Namgoi Secondary School, the Re-Discover Nandi road race chairperson, Mr. Fred Kiptanui, noted that the marathon was gaining popularity and there was a need to make it bigger.
He noted that the Sh60, 000 awarded to the winners was not enough considering the popularity of the event and pleaded with the sponsors to look into the matter so as to attract serious athletes.
“We need to improve this race by increasing the prize money, improving the state of the roads to meet international standards, and increasing the number of participants,” stated Mr. Kiptanui.
The race, whose main sponsor is Mozart Bet Company, saw the winner bag Sh60,000 and the second and third individuals bag Sh50,000 and Sh40,000, respectively.
By Linet Wafula
