The under 20 Central Rift regional athletics trials took place over the weekend at the Eliud Kipchoge Training Camp in Kapsabet in readiness for the World Athletics under 20 Championships to be held at the Nyayo Sports Complex.
Speaking at the training grounds, the Chairman Central Rift Athletics Kenya(AK), Solomon Mutai, urged the trainees who are participating in the field events to give their best since this will determine where they will be in the next regional events come July.
“Our athletes have badly been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of training, but I am sure their coaches have done a good job on them. Be determined and focused on your races and always put God first and you will go far,” advised Mutai.
In field events, Emmanuel Kipkirui took the lead in the 400m hurdles followed by Aloysius Kipngetich both from Nandi County.
In the ladies event Sharon Chepng’etich, from Uasin Gishu emerged top followed by Brenda Chebichi, Nandi County.
In the 1500m men, Stephen Masindet and Dennis Cheruiyot both from Uasin Gishu took position one and two respectively.
“Today was my first competition since the outbreak of Covid- 19. I have been training in Iten with the help of my coaches, Toti Korubala and Vincent Mumo,” said Masindet.
“Last November I competed in 1500m at Nyayo stadium and emerged position four overall and with this victory I see myself somewhere in the coming years. Am going to work on my speed endurance in order to represent my region well come July,” added Masindet.
In 1500m women, Winy Chemutai, Gladys Chepkemboi and Sharon Chepng’etich both from Uasin Gishu took position one, two and three respectively.
The 100m race was very competitive for both men and women. Willis Onyango from Migori county emerged the winner, Elvis Cheriot from Uasin Gishu and Danson Kibet from Nandi took positions two and three respectively.
“I am a student at Rongo University pursuing computer science. I have been training for both 100m and 200m but I want to focus mainly on 100m,” said Onyango.
In the 5000m men, Emmanuel Kiplagat from Baringo County emerged top; Levie Chematot from Nandi County took position two while Fredrick Demongole from West Pokot emerged third.
“The race was tough though I was well prepared for it. I train at Rongo through the help of my coach and parents. Am headed for the world under 20 championship and the Olympic 5000m,” said Kiplagat.
In women’s 5000m, Brenda Chepchumba, from Baringo County, Zena Chemutai and Debra Chemutai both from Nandi emerged the top three positions respectively.
The 400m men was taken by Nandi County in position one and two. Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Josaphat Kipleting both from Kosirai High school. Sylvia Chelagat, Nelly Chepchirchir and Stella Asita both from Nandi scooped top three positions respectively.
The athletes were encouraged to continue with their training to keep them fit and ready for the regionals in July this year.
About 300 athletes participated in the trials which were seen to be a small number compared to the previous years where the turn up was over thousands.
By Makokha Rebecah
