Huge turn out in Thika meet as athletes prepare for Tokyo Worlds

“The conditions are extremely hot, but they help build endurance, as we sometimes compete in similar conditions abroad,” Gathimba said after his victory.

In the women’s 10km walk, pre-race favourite Silvia Kemboi lived up to expectations, dominating the race with a time of 49:56.7.

Merceline Nakhumicha claimed second place in 50:34.9, while Naum Jepkirui finished third in 51:34.1.

Celestine Biwott, a third-place finisher at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country in December, triumphed in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 10:16.3.

Dorothy Kimutai came second in 11:00.4, followed by Ann Gathoni, who took third in 11:02.2.

Biwott, who used cross-country as part of her training, expressed her determination to make Kenya’s team for the Tokyo World Championships.

“My main target this year is to be part of Team Kenya for the Tokyo World Championships,” she said.

Other notable athletes at the event included reigning Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala and Olympian Boniface Mweresa, who participated in the men’s 100m preliminaries.

Omanyala expressed his satisfaction with the event turnout, emphasising the importance of encouraging more sprinters to participate in local competitions despite the challenges of limited stadium facilities.

“I’m impressed with the turnout and my main goal is to motivate other sprinters to take part in such events,” Omanyala said.

The competition continues today at the same venue with the third leg set for March 14-15 in Kapsabet. [Dennis Okeyo]