Josephat Kiprotich and Edith Jepchumba were the winners of the 2nd edition of the Athletics Kenya Mountain running championships that were held on Sunday January 2nd in Tinderet, Nandi County.
Kiprotich took the top honours in 10km senior men’s when he cut the tape in 47:47 and was followed closely by Frederick Domongole who came home in second in 47:51 with Hillary Maiyo closing the first three podium finishes in 47:71.
In 10km senior women category, Jepchumba ran away with the title in one of the most difficult course she has ever faced as she cut the tape 61.06 ahead of Zenah Jeptoo who crossed the in second in 61:12 and Monica Jeruto taking the third spot in 62.02.
Amos Kipkurui won the 8km junior men in 28:06 followed by Nicholas Kiprop (28:30) and Bernard Kipchirchir (29:08) while Valentine Jebet was the 6km champion in 32:12 followed by Eileen Chepkoech (32:27) and Faith Chepchirchir (35:49).
Kenya will be looking to host international mountain-running events in the near future. Athletics Kenya mountain running coordinator, Peter Angwenyi says 2021 year as they look to take the sport to the next level.
"After the first event in Nandi, we will be moving next to Meru for the Mt Kenya leg. We are also looking to assess more routes and host an international mountain running event," Angwenyi said.
Angwenyi said mountain running can attract a lot of international runners and market Kenya as a tourism destination.
"What we have seen is that people are thirsty for competition. They want to be entertained. With more sponsors on board, we can attract runners from all over the world and market the various routes as tourism destinations," he said. In his assessment of the event, Angwenyi described it as a success and the perfect tempo for a busy year.
"The route was challenging but despite that the runners were pumped up. The attendance was good especially after the festive season and was very competitive," he added.
"After the first event in Nandi, we will be moving next to Meru for the Mt Kenya leg. We are also looking to assess more routes and host an international mountain running event."