Alfred Cheruiyot and Janet Chepng’etich on Saturday emerged winners at the fourth edition of the Magical Kenya Barng’etuny Mountain Run.
Chepng’etich, the African Games 10, 000m champion bagged the women’s title after crossing the finishing line in 1:25.18 during the race which was held at the scenic Lion Hills Farm in Nandi County.
She beat Mercy Chemutai to second place and Mirriam Chepkirui to third place. Chemutai finished in 1:25.48, while Chepkirui clocked 1:28:04. Philaries Kisang, who is ranked number three in the World, was relegated to fourth place.
Speaking after the race, Chepng’etich said: “It was a tough race because it was my first mountain running race. I’m very happy for the win,” she said.
She added: “After two kilometers, I decided to control the pace. I’m looking forward to participating in the World Mountain Running championships later in the year,” said the Keringet-based athlete.
In the men’s category, Cheruiyot clinched the title after crossing the finishing line in 1:09.33 edging Ken Koross to second place in 1:09.33.
Richard Atuya settled for the third position in 1:09.35. Atuya finished third in last year’s edition. Atuya is ranked 6th in the World.
Philemon Kiriago who is ranked third in the World finished in a disappointing 19th while last year’s winner Fredrick Domongole (1:10.46) was relegated to the 8th position.
Upcoming Paul Machoka who is ranked 6th in the World finished 6th in the hotly contested race held under tough conditions. Machoka clocked 1:09.56.
Cheruiyot said: “I trained and believed in myself, that's the secret behind my win. It was a very tough race but I trained for this in Tambach,” said Cheruiyot who finished 6th in 2023.
Atuya said, “It was a technical race, but some are used to running such races. The course was standard like the ones in Europe.”
Winners in both categories received Sh500, 000 and heifers while second-placed athletes were awarded Sh200, and a goat while third-placed runners received Sh100, 000 and sheep.
The race was graced by the head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Sports PS Peter Tum, and Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei.
Race Patron Tinderet MP Julius Melly also attended the annual event. A record 3,100 athletes participated in the Mountain Run, which is part of the Magical Kenya Trail Series, which is organized by Athletics Kenya and the Kenya Tourism Board.
