Bernard Langat and Judith Jepng’etich were crowned the winners of the Betika Kapsabet 15km Road Race held in Nandi County on Sunday.
Langat who trains in Keringet, Nakuru County set the course record with a time of 44:13.7 to win the men’s category followed by Kiprotich Langat who timed 44:26.9 while the third position went to Felix Kirui from Baringo County.
Speaking after winning the race, Langat who has never competed in any marathon race said he was happy to have emerged as the winner adding that he would now concentrate on working hard to ensure he wins future races.
“I am so happy with the results. It is a good preparation ground for future races. The training that I have been doing contributed greatly to my success,” he said.
Kiprotich who came in second place said the race was tough but he enjoyed the course adding that it was not easy to compete in Kenya because everyone is good and talented.
“I thank God for the second position and I believe next time things will work out better. This was my first race and I have gained a lot of experience,” he said.
In the women’s category, Jepng’etich who has been training in Nyahururu and later changed her base to Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet, broke the tape winning the race with a time of 50:45.1 followed by Janeth Jepkosgei at 51:02.0 while the third position went to Joan Jepkosgei who clicked 51:24.2
Jepng’etich too said she has never participated in a 15km road race apart from a 5,000m race adding that the race has motivated her to stick to marathon.
“The race was tough but I thank God for the victory. I believe this win will open new avenues for me,” she said
Betika Managing Director Mutua Mutava said they would continue supporting upcoming athletes through such races which give them a chance to showcase their talent.
“Betika na community’ is about going to the grassroots. There is a lot of talent which is not tapped at the grassroots. Many people organise races with champions but we are doing it differently. We pick people with different talents who have no opportunities in counties and uplift them,” he said.
The winners received Sh250,000 while second and third-place finishers pocketed Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.
The fourth and fifth-place finishers went home with Sh.50,000 and Sh.40,000 respectively while the sixth to tenth-place finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories got Sh20,000.
By Linet Wafula
