Irene, Nzioka bag 10km titles at inaugural Magnolia Girls' run

Teenage sensations Irene James and Timothy Nzioka emerged winners in the inaugural 10km Magnolia Girls' Run held at Nairobi Arboretum on Sunday 27 November. 

Sixteen year-old Irene beat a strong field to emerge victorious clocking 38:52, a culmination of proper preparations for the event, including participating at the Athletics Kenya (AK) Sotik Cross Country leg. 

Chebet, Simiu deliver double for police at Olkalau X-Country

Having also participated in the World Under-20 national trials last year, in the hope of making team Kenya to the global event held in Nairobi then and again this year for the Cali, Colombia event, Irene is hoping this win is the start of a spectacular career in athletics. 

"I am happy for this win. This was a good race, although the distance was longer than 10km but I braved the competition to win. I am hoping this is the start of a successful journey in athletics. 

I competed in Sotik last week, finishing 25th in a very tough race and that gave me the confidence that I can win here," offered Irene. 

The form two student thanked the founders of Rainbow Magnolia for giving girls an opportunity to be in school as she is one of the beneficiaries of the organisation. 

The main aim of the race was to raise money to fund activities of the organisation that include rescuing vulnerable girls from female genital mutilation, early marriages and other forms of domestic abuse. 

Meanwhile, Nzioka from Machakos cut the tape in 33:19 and could not hide his joy for victory in one of hos last events before leaving the country for Japan for his higher education on an athletics scholarship. 

"Despite the sunny conditions, I manged to win and I am happy. Racing here was not just about winning but taking part in an event for a good course. When you run here it means you keep a girl in school and contribute to rescue efforts of many from gender based violence victims," 19-year-old Nzioka said.

Valentine Naisimoi emerged winner of ladies 5km race while Nicholas won in men's category for the same distance.

Robert Saruni, CEO of Rainbow of Magnolia Fountain of Hope picked multiple positives from the race.

"The race was fun and a huge success. We look forward to expanding to other counties.We have received positive feedback and we look forward to a bigger one next year at the same venue.We want to create champions who will join various Kenya teams in the future," he offered.