Habari Za Wiki - 14 December, 2021
The Running News
Faith & Jepchirchir Get State Honors
The ever-smiling Faith Kipyegon and Peres Jepchirchir were awarded the order of the Grand warrior awards at the Jamhuri day celebration following their spectacular performances in Athletics this season.
Jepchirchir, two-time world half-marathon champion and women-only world 21km record holder, won the Olympic marathon title in Sapporo, Japan in August this year before becoming the first Olympic champion to win the New York City Marathon title. Unlike most athletes who start competitive Athletics then graduate to road running, Jepchirchir picked up road running from the start.
Kipyegon won the hearts of many during the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. Kipyegon won the 1500m Olympic title to become the third woman to retain the title. Even more, she did that while becoming a mother in between the games. She went on to win the World Athletics Diamond League trophy setting the 1500m record and had a fantastic season suffering defeat just once to Sifan Hassan at the Diamond League.
Wins she dedicated to her daughter, Kipyegon came close to thrashing the World record at the Monaco meeting again setting a new record.
In other news, the recently crowned Valencia marathon champion Lawrence Cherono received the Head of the State commendation following his exemplary performance. His advice to the upcoming athletes and youth, in general, was to work hard and be patient as success doesn’t come overnight.
We definitely agree with him on this. A huge congratulations to the outstanding athletes for their well-deserved recognition.
Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon (L) and Peres Jepchirchir after being honored with the Order of Grand Warrior awards at the 57th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens yesterday. photo credits- Fredrick Omondi
Cheserek & Kiplagat crowned winners of the Nandi 15Km road races
Beatrice Cheserek and Amos Kiplagat are the winners of the Nandi 15 Km Road race held this past weekend in Nandi county.
The race was pushed forward from October after the death of 2015 World Cross Country Champion Agnes Tirop.
Amos Kiplagat finished the race in 43 minutes 77 seconds to win the men's race. Samuel Naibei took second place in 44:05:85 as Hillary Kipkoech finished third in 44:12:15.
In the women’s category, Cheserek bagged victory in 49:50:50 followed by Jackeline Chelal in 50:20:10, and in third place Gladys Chepkurui in 51:03:10.
Non-Kenyan News
Ingebrigsten dominates EU cross country in Dublin
Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigsten won his first European cross country title in Dublin taking the lead from defending champion Aras Kaya from Turkey.
Ingebrigsten won by 14 seconds to take home his first European cross country senior title.