Chebiwot and Kipngeno triumph in mountain running

Sheila Chebiwot and Patrick Kipngeno are the 2022 MT Kenya Mountain Running champions in the 13km category held at Kenya School of Adventure and leadership learning (KESAL), Meru County on Saturday.

Kipngeno the 23 year old from Olenguruoni took the early lead after three kilometers the start if the race to claim victory in 44:13.8 ahead of Charles Katur (44:40.1) and Frederick Kamungole (44:40.6) who settled for the second and third places respectively in a sprint finish.

“The hill was the toughest part of the race. One had to slow down to avoid exhausting yourself before the race is over. The race was to test my endurance level at an hight altitude area before I focus on the track season” said Kipngeno the 2020 national championship.

His counterpart in the ladies event reigned supreme in the star studed women’s race beating, World Cup overall winner Joyce Njeru and World cup overall runners up Lucy Murugi to claim top podium place in 52:28.7 followed by Njeru of the Defence Forces 52:28.7 as Jessica Chelangat sellted for third place in 52:46.6.

In the eight kilometer junior race, 17 year old David Mwangi from Nyadarua County cut the finish tape in 30:44.5. Alfred Cheruyiot 30:45.5 followed Mwangi closely and took the first runners up position in…. While William Kimosop 30:55.6 took the second runners up position.

In the women category, 18 year old Everlyne Syombua from Machakos County took the 8km bragging right in a time of 35:43.9. Ahead of home girls Penniah Mukonene(41:19.9) and Maureen Kathure(42:15.3) .

“This was my first time competing at the Mountain Running Championship, I am impressed but the hill was very steep. This is going to help me prepare for the third Athletics Kenya track and field event coming week in the 3,000m steeplechase” said Syombua who finished third during the first track and field event for the season at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi County.

Athletics Kenya Lieutenant General (RTD) Jackson Tuwei was impressed with the race organization. Hoping that Kenya in future will be able to host the Mountain Running World Cup.

“We shall first have to ensure that everything is done to the standards of the of the world cup before bidding for the race. However, I am impressed we have athletes from foreign nations like France and South Africa coming to participate in the second edition of the championship,” said Tuwei.

The Mt Kenya Mountain Running championship is meant to help mobilize funds for a cancer research institute at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Meru County and promote sports tourism.