Four upcoming Kenyan athletes have secured special United States visas after registering impressive performances at the 2022 Machakos Great Run 10km road race held on Saturday, July 30 at Thwarke Resort Koma.
Vincent Kigen, Lucy Mawia, Kelvin Kibiwot and Pamela Kamulu qualified for the coveted Americas 0-1A visas after finishing in the top two positions in their respective categories.
Kigen won the 10km men’s event in a time of 27:53.01 to successfully retain the title he won in 2021. Kibiwot and Samuel Nainei clocked 27:58.05 and 28:00.09 to finish second and third respectively.
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In the women’s category, Kamulu reached the tape at 31:00:02 to bag the title ahead of Mawia and Miriam Chebet.
The Americas 0-1A visa allows people with extraordinary abilities in education, sciences, business and Athletics to gain entry into the United States. Once runners secure this type of visa, they can pitch their training camp in the US, compete in various races and promote their athletics careers.
Festus Kasyoka Mbuva, the event organizer and a beneficiary of the Americas 0-1As stated that these great runners have a higher chance of succeeding in the United States.
“I’m delighted to be sponsoring the event for the second time. There are good athletes who can bring glory to the country if they are nurtured and I’m extremely happy and humbled that athletes came from all over the country and as far as Japan to compete. We can only get better going forward,” Kasyoka was quoted by Nation Sports.
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Kasyoka secured the visa 21 years ago at the tender age of 18 and went on to achieve great things in the US.
Kigen, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, revealed that he was looking forward to competing in international races.
“I have kept on featuring in road races as I compare the course and the times. While I haven't gotten a chance to compete in any international event,”
“I am glad I’m building my name and I know it’s just a matter of time before I sprout. But all in all, I will be guided by my coach,” stated Kigen.
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