Gathimba reigns supreme as new stars emerge in AK meet

The fourth edition of the Betika/Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend Meeting concluded in electrifying fashion at the newly refurbished Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, showcasing Kenya’s depth of talent and readiness for global competitions.

Over 1,500 athletes graced the two-day event, the largest turnout since the series began, highlighting the country’s growing momentum ahead of international assignments, including the World Relays and World Championships.

Veteran race walker Samuel Gathimba underlined his pedigree with a commanding victory in the men’s 15km walk, clocking 1:03.12.

Gathimba, a seasoned campaigner on the continental stage, described the win as a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming World Championships trials.

“I am pleased with my performance on this new tartan track. It gives me momentum heading into the trials. It was painful but necessary,” he said, noting the importance of the race aspart of his preparation for international events.

He was followed closely by Dominico Mwenda with a time of 1:03.27, who dreams of joining the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and South Rift’s Nathan Kibet, who finished with a time of 1:03.44. In the women’s race walk, Sylvia Kemboi of North Rift proved dominant, cutting the tape in 1:16.42, ahead of Western’s Caren Simiyu  who clocked 1:17.00, and Central’s Mary Nduta who came third with a time of 1:20.15.

In the men’s 5000m, Central’s Simon Mungai Ngwatha delivered a thrilling performance, surging in the final lap to claim victory in 13:30.9.

The 24-year-old held off promising teenagers Denis Kipkoech Kemboi of Konoin, who finished with a time of 13:36.2 and Festus Kimorwo of Sinonin Camp, who clocked 13:43.8, both just 18, in a race that had 11 heats and was decided on time.

Caren Chepchirchir Serem, 16, was the breakout star in the women’s 1500m, storming to victory in 4:15.9.

The Nala Track Club athlete outkicked more experienced rivals, with Central’s Rebecca Mwangi (4:16.7) and Naomi Korir of Central Rift (4:17.8) settling for second and third spots, respectively.

Sprint events also delivered fireworks.

In the men’s 200m, Ronald Kiprono Koech of Kenya Police edged out a tight field with a time of 20.8 seconds, narrowly ahead of KDF duo Zablon Ekwam, who finished with a time of 20.9, and Wiseman Were who clocked 21.0.

In the women’s race, Prisons’ Ivon Namuma Mwangala posted a swift time of 24.7 for victory, beating KDF’s Faith Bukachi, who crossed the finish line with a time of 24.8, and Universities’ Yvon Otung, who clocked 24.9.