L. MathekaFirst AK meet gives athletes a taste of 2022 season
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 06.02.22. | 13:41
After the Nairobi meeting, athletes will head to Kisumu for the second series slated for 19 February. The third series will be held in Embu on 5 March with the fourth and final leg set for Kakamega on 19 March.
In a well, attended Athletics Kenya (AK) track and field meeting held at the Nyayo National Stadium, athletes got a chance to test their mettle as they begin the busy 2022 season that will see two major events take place.
"The entries across the different disciplines was a clear indication our athletes have their priorities right for the season. I am contented that the commencement of the track and field season has set in motion campaigns for places in the national teams to World Athletics Championships set for Eugene, USA, in July , the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Birmingham, UK, in August and the Africa Senior Championships set for Mauritius in June," said AK's Barnaba Korir in a statement.
In the two-day event, the sprints attracted the highest number of competitors with the men's 100m fielding a record 156 athletes. Benson Okot and Maximila Imali reigned supreme in the men's and women's 100m respectively.
A record of 17 heats in men 100m during the 1st Athletics Kenya track and field meeting
— Kelly Ayodi (@AyodiKelly) February 4, 2022
Omanyala Effect? pic.twitter.com/bsfHdsVsix
Olympian, Mary Moraa elected to compete in 400m and still emerged top. The Kenya Police athlete clocked 53.41 to finish ahead of Linda Kageha who timed 54.73. Mercy Adija completed the podium finishes in 55.18.
"I opted to compete in 400m since this was my first race and I am still focusing on my speed. I will compete in 800m this season with my target being to compete at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. I also hope to compete in the second weekend meeting," said Moraa.
Did You Attend?
— erick ochieng (@enriqueoyugi) February 6, 2022
Here are the selected results for the
First Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend Meeting at Nyayo National Stadium:
Men.100m
1.Benson Okot 10.0
2.Tanzania Kamanga 10.2
3.Mark Kangethe 10.4
4.Robinson Motende 10.6
5.Hesbon Ochieng 10.7 pic.twitter.com/Rab9j1sub3
In the women's 5000m Japan-based Rebecca Mwangi stunned a rich field to win the race in 15:25.56 ahead of Sandrafelis Chebet's 15:25.92.
"I will travel back to Japan next month to continue with my training. I want to focus on speed work and endurance. My ambition is to qualify and represent Kenya at the World Championships," said Mwangi after her win.
In the 10000m women's race, Agnes Mumbua was a cut above the small field as she clocked 33:17.18 for the win ahead of Emily Chebet's 33:55.52 and Dorothy Kipkikach's 33:57.29.
"It was not my first 10km race. I am used to competing the long races so it was not tough. The weather was unforgiving as it was too windy and the sun was unforgiving.
Winning, however, came as a surprise. This is my first title on the track. I came prepared for a podium finish but I didn't think I could win it. This is a good start to my season and I look forward to winning more on the track," said Mumbua.
