Kenya Prisons Services’ Loice Chemnung powered to her maiden national 10,000m title yesterday, overcoming heavy rain and tough competition at the Athletics Kenya National Championships held at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The 27-year-old stamped her authority early, pulling away from the pack to win in a commanding 31:39.09, a performance that not only earned her the crown but also renewed her hopes of representing Kenya on the global stage. “This is a big milestone for me,” said Chemnung.
“The rain made it tough, but I knew I had to control the pace early to stay sharp.”
Having missed last year’s Olympic team, Chemnung now sets her sights on the World Championship trials scheduled for August 1–2, where she hopes to make her debut at the global level in Tokyo.
Chemnung’s season so far has been promising: a course record 1:05:46 win at the Malaga Half Marathon and a 31:26 victory at the Bangsaen 10K.
She returns to the track today for the 5,000m final, cautiously optimistic.
“I’ll try my best,” she said.
Cintia Chepng’eno launched a strong final-lap sprint to take second place in 32:22.44, just ahead of Rebecca Mwangi, who clocked 32:22.85.
“It wasn’t easy with the rain, but I’m proud to be on the podium,” said Chepng’eno, who also hopes to qualify for the World Championships.
Gilbert Kiprotich claimed his first national 5,000m title with a strong finish, crossing the line in 13:37.06, just ahead of Amos Kiprotich (13:37.58) and George Manangoi (13:43.03).
Training in Japan under coach Willy Lang’at at Ikaika Camp, Kiprotich credited his confidence to his victory at the Malaga Half Marathon earlier this year, where he ran a swift 58:27.
“The conditions were tricky, but I’m happy with the win,” he said.
“My focus is now on making the team for Worlds.”
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, easily won his 100m semifinal in 10.09 seconds, advancing to today’s final.
“This was about opening up the body,” said Omanyala.
“I’m feeling good and ready for the final. Hopefully, I can dip under 10 seconds.”
