Stakes raised as road race action continues in Nyamira after two previous actions
After being relegated to second place finish during the Nyamira Great Run second series, Beatrice Begi will be seeking to redeem herself and win gold in the third series event that heads to Nyamira North on Sunday.
Faith Chepkoech stunned Begi to win gold in the second series held at Nyakongo High School clocking 34:50.67 with Begi finishing second in 35:25.08 but in the third series, Begi who won the first series at Ensoko Cross Country champions cum road race championship, is eyeing nothing short of victory in Nyamira North.
“It was a very tough race, I felt stomach discomfort after five kilometers. However, that is behind us and my focus now, is on the Nyamira North 10-km this Sunda,” said Begi
Enock Onchari who has successfully won the opening two series at Ensoko Cross Country champions and Masaba North 10-km road race is in high spirits as he heads to this Sunday’s race that is scheduled to start at Gekendo primary school and finish at the proposed Esanige Stadium in Magwagwa market.
Onchari will, however, need to worry about seasoned marathoners like Sammy Nyokaye, Stephen Arita who excelled with a time of 29:57.31 to finish second at Masaba North as well as Kibon Ogato, Felix Boera, and Dancun Nyangara, all of whom are in great form.
“I’m happy we were given extra time to train. My body is in a good shape and I hope to win this weekend’s road race title,” said Nyokaye who came home fifth during the Masaba North 10-km road race.
Nyamira County Sports minister Grace Nyamongo clarified that the event which was supposed to be held last Sunday was rescheduled to this weekend in order to give athletes enough time to recover and prepare after taking part in the opening two series at Ensoko Cross Country and Masaba North 10-km.
She also said that this Sunday’s event which is expected to attract a large field and top athletes from the region will be graced by Nyamira governor Amos Nyaribo after missing the first two series that were graced by his deputy governor James Gesami.
However, the postponement of the event last weekend means that the Kiendenge Cross Country championship which is the fourth edition of the five-part series and which was supposed to be held this weekend will have new dates, as the organisers ponder on how to ensure that the remaining two series are held as earlier planned before the culmination of the main event, the much-awaited Nyamira North Great Run 21-km race on October 31.
“We shall meet and agree on new dates for the remaining two events. We expect a huge turnout,” Nyamongo said.-Gibo Zachary
