Habari za Wiki - 21 July, 2020
Yego! Yego is the African representative at The Athletics Association
Julius Yego, or Mr. YouTube, is a born leader. And so it is befitting for the 2015 World Javelin Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist to be a board member of the newly formed The Athletics Association (TAA).
TAA is a new group of athletes coming together to advocate for their rights. Yego, the most successful African Javelin thrower ever, spoke to Enda on being part of the initiative dubbed #WeAreTheSport.
Hokuren Distance Challenge concludes in Japan with more Kenyan victories.
The third and forth (and final) meets of the 2020 Hokuren Distance Challenge were held last Wednesday 15 July in Abashiri and Saturday 18 July in Chitose.
Wednesday had perhaps the most exciting action, with Rosemary Monica Wanjiru, a longtime Japan resident clocked a world leading time, a personal best, all-comers record of 30:38.18 to win the women’s 10,000m.
Jonathan Ndiku (Hitachi Butsuryu) led a Kenyan 1-2-3 to win the men’s 10,000m in 27:23.47, 20 seconds ahead of second placed Alexander Mutiso (ND Software). Mutiso clocked 27:44.37 and Richard Kimunyan Yator clocked 27:49.35 for third place.
In the women's 5000m, Hellen Ekarare (Toyota Jidoshokki) and Joan Kipkemoi (Kyudenko) finished second and third in 15:03.09 and 15:04.32 respectively. Both personal bests.
Youngster 17-year-old Cynthia Njeri Mbaire (Kamimura Gakuen H.S.) won the 3000m race in 8:56.05, her personal best. Cynthia already has the U20 world-leading marks for 1500 m and 5000 m already to her name this month.
In the men's 5000m, Benard Kibet Koech returned to win in 13:11.77, the only one to go under 13:20. Vincent Yegon (Tokyo Kokusai Univ.) was 2nd in 13:20.39.
Then on Saturday in Chitose, Titus Wambua (SMU Group) won the 5000m in 13:17.40.
In the women’s 5000m race, Kenyan Cynthia Mbaire finished second in a world U20 leading time of 15:07.13.
Athletics Calender for postponed Tokyo Olympics released
We now when our favorite track, field or marathon will be held during the Tokyo 2020 games next year. The games will feature 10 days of athletics with the men’s 3000m steeplechase opening round getting athletics underway on 30 July 2021. The men’s marathon will bring it to a close on 10 August 2021.
The most exciting news though is a positive step for equality in sport: for the first time in the Olympic history, the women’s marathon and men’s marathon medal ceremonies will both be held during the Closing Ceremony. Historically, on the men's marathon ceremony happens there.
Kenyan athletes to Diamond League!
Good news, Kenyan athletes will be allowed to compete in the diamond league which starts in August. The athletes will have to adhere and meet stringent Covid 19 requirements. Rongai Athletics Club’s Timothy Cheruiyot and Elijah Manangoi have been signed off to attend Monaco Diamond League and among other Covid 19 requirements, they will undergo Covid-19 test at least 72 hours before travelling, must have Covid-19 clearance certificates and share hotel rooms if coming from same camp
Despite this positive change, Hellen Obiri won't be heading to Monaco despite making the list to attend. She says she has not trained well to compete due to lack of facilities available during the pandemic.
However, Obiri’s management Pace Sport insists she has to honor the invite and compete in Monaco. An athlete vs manager tension brewing?
The empty athletics tracks of Iten
Iten on a normal day is always busting with running activities. Either on the road, the dusty, hilly terrains or on the track. Iten is a global village where you will find plenty of international athletes training to become better athletes.
However, since Covid struck, Iten has almost turned to a ghost town. Group training is banned, so the tracks are also silent. While running paths in cities around the world are bursting with new runners taking up the sport, the home of champions is struggling.
To Non-Kenyan News
Haile’s hotel burnt down during protests
Haile Gebresellasie is just not a successful athlete, he is also a successful businessman who has ventured into hospitality, farming, automobile, mining and more. Haile is counting some losses though. Last week, his two hotels in Ziway (Batu) and Shashemene were burnt down – almost completely during the demonstrations held due to the death of an Oromia musician Hachalu Hundessa.
It’s hard to know how bad the unrest and protest are in Ethiopia right now as the internet was shut off for nearly 3 weeks and mobile data is still not active (which is how most people get online).
Run New York City Virtually
You can get a NY Marathon finisher medal while running in your home town by taking part in the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon. This virtual race runs from October 17 to November 1. Choose one of four entry tiers, including an option to gain guaranteed entry for a future NY Marathon, then get to training. Registration opens July 28.
From Us At Enda
In April, we started working to see if we could make a running mask. We haven’t gotten something that we’re happy with yet. But along the way we met some amazing manufacturers and went back to one of them because we loved what they were doing.
Heshima’s women group is a group of mothers of disabled children, a group that's especially in need right now. So we worked with them to create some great everyday use fabric masks, something we all need right now. You can learn more and get your pack of masks.
We’re selling the masks in packs of three, so you’ll get a mix of three different colors and patterns.
Each pack has 2 masks with straps that go around behind your head as these were our favorite for long term wear, and 1 mask with ear straps as these are easier for times where you’re taking it on and off.
And especially for glasses wearers: there is a wire around the nose to give a comfortable fit and prevent glasses from steaming up.
If you need a couple of more cool re-usable facemasks, then go ahead and grab a set. Protect your community and support the Heshima women's group.
From the Enda Community
This past Saturday was Nelson Mandela Day. A few months after running in them at the Mandela Remembrance Marathon, @konyashet celebrated Mandela again while wearing her Enda Itens. It melts our hearts to know that Kenya has a special place in South Africa through the Itens.
