Habari za Wiki - 9 March, 2021

Kenyan Cross Country Champion Rodger Kwemoi Chumo Chats With Enda

Kwemoi during 5000m at first Track and field meet at Nyayo

Kwemoi during 5000m at first Track and field meet at Nyayo

In February, Rodger Kwemoi shocked a very strong field to win the Kenyan Cross country title, booking himself a slot to the African Cross Country Championships.

But for close observers of the sport, Kwemoi wasn’t a new name. He is a 10,000m specialist, he has a Commonwealth bronze medal at the distance. He is a former U20 world champion and in 2019 he finished fourth at the world championships.

The 24 year old finished second in 5000m at the Athletics Kenya’s first track and field meet and told Enda that although the race was very competitive and tough, he was pleased with the outcome. We had a chat with him about the race and more.

Ebenyo Wins in Berlin

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo now holds the world best time in 10km. Ebenyo defended his Berlin 10km Invitational title over the weekend with a 27.43 victory making it the fastest time this season. The weather was cold and tough. This was the third edition of the Berlin 10km. 

Peres Shares Her Life Journey

World half marathon champion and record holder Peres Jepchirchir got her wish – she was named in the Kenyan marathon team. But something else caught our eye, Peres shared a photo of her as a child, behind her a mud-walled grass thatched house. Considering that she grew up in poverty, she’s truly come a long way now. And says the photos are an inspiration to the young girls and boys

Kenya Extends Relays Invite Across the Continent

Athletics Kenya will hold the World Relay Championships trials - invites only - on the 26th of this month at Nyayo Stadium. AK however will not make it a Kenyan affair, they have extended invites to athletes to at least six African countries including South Africa, Nigeria and Botswana. Should even three countries honor the invite, then the Kenya relay trials will be very excitingly competitive. 

Meanwhile, before the World Relays trials, the second athletics Kenya track and field meet will be held this weekend at Nyayo stadium instead of the initially planned Embu location. And if anything was to go by with the first one meet – this second one will be competitive too. 

Cross Country Camp Disbanded

Athletics Kenya had said the Kenya cross country training camp would continue despite the postponement of Africa Cross Country Championships. However they have now decided to disband the camp in Kigari, Embu – almost three weeks after athletes went in residential camp 

Registration Open for Eldoret Marathon

If you want to run with a huge pack of the world’s best, registration is now open for the Eldoret City Marathon at the cost of 1200 Kenyan shillings. The race will take place on 11 April, and with so many races around the world being cancelled, it should be packed with top talent. This year’s marathon has gone a notch higher – they will be using electronic timings. 

Non-Kenyan News

Mo Farah wins in Djibouti

There was a half marathon in Djibouti, the first ever and Mo Farah was among the participants. And of course he won in 63:07 as he prepares for the Olympic Games – this was Mo’s first race of 2021. Mo’s training partner Bashir Abdi finished second and Abdi picked some lessons from Mo with his second place finish 

N. Jepkosgei Banned After Giving Fake Evidence for Missed Test

Ex-Kenyan now Bahraini Nelly Jepkosgei has been banned for four years for presenting fake documents by the Athletics Integrity Unit. The 800m athlete missed a doping test on March 18 and offered fake evidence in the form of a forged document to explain the whereabouts failure. 

From Us At Enda

When we announced the #EndaArtRun contest, we noted the prize would be a pair of our next colorway of Lapatets. But we didn’t show you what they are. We’ll here is what’s at stake, the Aberdare Green & Green - coming out next Tuesday, 16 March.

Aberdare Green & Green

You’ve got until the end of the day tomorrow to draw some art using your running route to win a pair. On the 11th, make sure to keep an eye on our social media to vote for your favorite!

As a reminder, here's how you can take part in the contest

From The Enda Community

There have already been some exciting art runs shared in the #EndaArtRun contest, but we want to save those for the contest. Also, Dora the Dog posted this incredibly cute photo, so how could we not feature it?

“Today's weather was nice enough for my mom to wear her pretty @endasportswear shoes..."

Dora the Dog on Instagram