The 2024 Kolkata 25k runners up Viola Chepng’eno proved untouchable at the Betika Bingwafest Nairobi edition, storming to victory in both the 5,000m and 10,000m women’s races.
The 24-year-old opened her campaign with a commanding run in the 10,000m, clocking 34:41.8 to outclass the Lemotit Training Camp duo of Diana Chepkemoi (34:47.4) and Sharon Chepkemoi (35:00.5), who settled for second and third, respectively.
She doubled up in the 5,000m, displaying remarkable endurance to cross the line in 16:26.6, ahead of Mercy Chepkemei (16:31.0) and Mary Mananu (16:45.4), to seal a perfect outing at the event.
Speaking after her second race, Chepngeno admitted the 5,000m was a tactical battle but executed her race plan to perfection.
“It was not an easy race because of the strong competition, but I decided to go for the win in the final lap,” she said.
Having already run the 10,000m, she carefully gauged her body before launching her winning move.
“I felt good despite the earlier race, so I decided to push in the final stretch,” she added.
The double victory boosts her confidence ahead of the 2025 season, where she eyes success in road races.
“This win is very important for me. It gives me confidence as I shift focus to the road,” she noted. Chepng’eno’s dominant performance saw her walk away Sh550,000 richer— Sh300,000 for the 10,000m win and Sh250,000 for the 5,000m.
Meanwhile, Mananu, who had signed up for three races (1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m), was determined to secure a podium finish after missing out in the 10,000m.
“I finished fourth in the 10,000m, so in the 5,000m, I decided to go all out,” she said.
A natural front-runner, Mananu dictated the pace early on and was pleased to secure second place, earning her Sh150,000.
“I decided to go in front because I am a front runner and I am glad I made the podium,” she said. With a 10km road race on the horizon, she used the competition as a fitness gauge.
“This race was important in assessing my body ahead of my next event,” she noted.
In the men’s 10,000m, Nickson Kogei took top honours in 28:58, narrowly edging out Dennis Kipkurui (29:00) and Bernard Kipkemoi (29:05).
The 1,500m women’s race saw Purity Chepkirui, a Form Four student at Tiloa Mixed Secondary, upset 2022 African 10,000m champion Caroline Nyaga to claim victory in 4:11.0.
Nyaga followed in 4:12.2, with Faith Chebet rounding off the podium in 4:19.9. Chepkirui revealed she was using the race as a time trial and had not planned to win.
“I sat behind Nyaga for most of the race, but in the final lap, I decided to break away,” she said. Nyaga, running her first track race of the year, was pleased with her second-place finish.
“I was using this race to test my speed and I am happy with my performance,” she said.
Chepkirui pocketed Sh150,000, while
Nyaga and Chebet earned Sh100,000 and
Sh60,000 respectively.
In the men’s 1,500m, Emmanuel Lemana
stormed to victory in 3:46.3, narrowly
beating Francis Kimutai (3:46.5) and Vincent
Wachi (3:47.6).
