Africa-Press – Kenya. Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, believes the Betika BingwaFest is the ideal sharpening ground for Kenya’s sprinters as they gear up for a packed and demanding 2026 calendar year.
Omanyala was speaking after lining up at the BingwaFest Central Region edition over the weekend at Kinoru Stadium, where he featured in the men’s 4x100m relay.
Running alongside his Achievers Sprint Club training mates Steve Odhiambo, Isaac Omurwa and Samuel Chege, the quartet stopped the clock at 40.0 seconds to finish third.
Utawala Sprints Club dominated the event, with the quartet of Richard Ogutu, Meshack Babu, Ronald Koech and Simani Reguu storming to victory in 39.3 seconds. KDF’s team of Wiseman Were, Justin Isaboke, Brian Tinega and Boniface Mweresa followed closely, clocking 39.6 for second place.
Omanyala underlined the value of BingwaFest in fine-tuning speed, rhythm and race sharpness among the country’s sprinters. “I am happy to be here for the Meru edition of BingwaFest, and I really appreciate this platform for my fellow sprinters,” said the 2022 Commonwealth champion.
He noted that the 2025 season had already delivered encouraging signs, with Kenyan sprinters posting faster and more competitive times. “This was a significant development for the season, as we saw many better times posted by sprinters,” he observed.
Omanyala also called for an expanded competition calendar to keep athletes race-ready and continually improving. “As sprinters, we need more competitions so that we can better our times. This is a great initiative, and I urge more sprinters to continue working hard and showing up,” he added.
Meanwhile, Loice Chemnung stole the spotlight in the distance events, completing a superb long-distance double by winning both the women’s 10,000m and 5,000m races. The 28-year-old clocked 32:07.7 in the 10,000m before returning to the track to post 15:22.4 in the 5,000m.
Chemnung walked away with a total of Sh550,000 in prize money, Sh300,000 for the 10,000m victory and Sh250,000 for triumphing in the 5,000m. She paid tribute to her coach, Thomas Potzinger, for encouraging her to attempt the demanding double.
“I am happy to have won both the 10,000m and 5,000m races. Initially, I had planned to compete only in the 10,000m, but my coach encouraged me to run the 5,000m as well. It was very encouraging seeing him guide me throughout both races at every corner of the field,” Chemnung said.
In the men’s 10,000m, Mathew Kipkoech emerged victorious after clocking 28:44.2, edging out Justus Lelinton (28:44.7) and Amos Langat (28:45.2). Miriam Cherop claimed the women’s 1,500m, clocking 4:18.4 ahead of Josephine Sembeyo (4:19.2) and Vivian Chebet (4:19.4).
In the men’s race, Dominic Bargentuny claimed top honours in 3:40.4, followed by Ng’eno Kipngetich (3:41.1) and Mathew Kipsang (3:41.8).
Veteran sprinter Milcent Ndoro showcased her enduring class by winning both the women’s 100m and 400m races. She stormed to victory in the 100m in 11.6 seconds, ahead of Neviah Michira (12.2) and Jane Mirigo (12.3), before returning to dominate the 400m in 55.4 seconds. Martha Nyabuto (55.9) and Moreno Wafula (56.4) completed the podium. Attention now turns to Mumias, where the BingwaFest caravan rolls on with the Western Region edition slated for January.
