Diana Wanza and Silas Senchura won the 10km of the inaugural Roysambu cross country held on Friday at the Kasarani open grounds, which was also used by the Nairobi region to select a team for the national cross country championship set for Eldoret on the 25th of this month.
Wanza dominated the race from gun to tape, emerging victorious in 35 minutes and 35 seconds, ahead of Frida Ndinda and Joylene Koima, who finished in the second and third positions, respectively.
Senchura of Police, who is also the reigning 10,000 m national champion, claimed victory in the men’s race in 30 minutes 25.4 seconds, followed by James Kiplagat, who clocked 30 minutes 32.5 seconds, 0.03 seconds ahead of Ezekiel Letaya.
Reigning African champion Emmanuel Lemiso and Cynthia Chepkurui won the 8 km and 6 km under-20 men’s and women’s titles, respectively.
Lemiso used 14 minutes and 13.3 seconds to cut the tape in the 8 km race, followed by Kevin Koskei and Benedict Njoroge.
Lang’ata-based Chepkurui won the women’s title in 19 minutes 54.20 seconds, ahead of Caren Chepchirchir and Mercy Chepngeimate.
The winners of the 10 km races were rewarded 40,000 Kenyan shillings, while the 2nd- and 3rd-placed athletes received 25,000 and 10,000 shillings, respectively.
The race was also used to raise funds to support needy students as well as create awareness on environmental conservation.
Reigning African champion Emmanuel Lemiso and Cynthia Chepkurui won the 8 km and 6 km under-20 men’s and women’s titles, respectively.
Lemiso used 14 minutes and 13.3 seconds to cut the tape in the 8 km race, followed by Kevin Koskei and Benedict Njoroge.
Lang’ata-based Chepkurui won the women’s title in 19 minutes 54.20 seconds, ahead of Caren Chepchirchir and Mercy Chepngeimate.
Dr.Faith Mwaura, the race Patron, said she envisions making it an annual race because of her passion for sports.
“I grew up in Kahawest and saw Kasarani every day, going to school and back. I have watched many teams here, so I am passionate about athletics and chose this sport.”She stated
Athletics Kenya Nairobi Region Chairman Barnaba Korir hailed the partnership, adding that the race will be included in next year’s AK calendar.
“Mazingira Day is important worldwide for the environment. It is a day to sacrifice and plant trees and partner together as a community. Athletics is about the community. At least Kenya works closely with regions all over the country, with activities in every county, including Nairobi, incorporating schools and camps especially for sprinters and long-distance athletes. We will continue supporting athletes to source funding and technical support. Next year, we plan to include this program in the calendar of events to select the team that represents the region.”Koris said
The winners of the 10 km races were rewarded 40,000 Kenyan shillings, while the 2nd- and 3rd-placed athletes received 25,000 and 10,000 shillings, respectively.
The race was also used to raise funds to support needy students, as well as create awareness about environmental conservation.
