Gitonga, Kibett credit 'fighting spirit' for conquring tough Mt Longonot trail
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 17.11.24. | 19:10
Athletes used the event as part of their pre-season training as most begin their seasons in the next two months
She registered for the event, just to have a feel of the course as she was preparing for a different competition a road race, but Ruth Gitonga surmounted a challenging Mt Longonot Trail to win the first World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) ranking event to be staged in Africa.
Meanwhile, the men's event went to Gitonga's teammate at Run2Gether Timothy Kibett in what was his second mountain running event, despite this not being his discipline as well.
Gitonga clocked 1:14:50 to take first place, ahead the more experienced (in mountain running) and favourite Philaries Kisang’ who settled for second place in 1:15:25. Joyline Chepngeno came home in 1:16:45 to complete the women's race podium places.
Gitonga admitted winning the race was not her intention. In fact, the only reason she signed up was probably because it was hosted by her club. So much so she did not have a feel of the course beforehand.
"I had not trained for mountain running coming into today’s race. I was actually getting ready for a road race. It was a difficult course. As I started, all I wanted was to push myself and finish. I am just happy that I finished first. It took a lot of resilience and fight from within to keep going and win," Gitonga admitted.
For Kisang’, the search for a first ever win on home soil, having joined mountain running in 2022 continues.
“The course was much more difficult than what I am used to. I have participated in this trail before but it has never been this tough as it was today,” the Iten-born confessed.
The 28-year-old is nonetheless grateful for the opportunity to get up to speed with her fitness ahead of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
“I thank God for the grace to finish second today. It prepares me for the World Championships where my goal is to win the title,” Kisang’ said.
Meanwhile, Kibett clocked 1:02:04 to finish ahead of Saoli Selelo (1:04:05) and Ephantus Njeri (1:04:06).
"It was a tough course and with my limited experience as this is my second race, it took a lot of fighting to win. The challenges were numerous, I even took a tumble but was able to recover and win. It was a good experience and having more of such races will benefit athletes," the winner narrated.
Saturday’s competition was a ranking event for the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) with president Tomo Sarf in attendance.
Men’s results
Timothy Kibett 1:02:04
Saoli Selelo 1:04:05
Ephantus Njeri 1:04:06
Cornelius Yatich 1:04:10
Kipsang Cheboi 1.04:20
Women’s results
Ruth Gitonga 1:14:50
Philaris Kisang 1:15:25
Joyline Chepngeno 1:16:45
Valentine Rutto 1:16:51
Gloria Chebet 1:17:38
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