Kiprono, Sembenyo rule Term One Games track races in Kisumu

Kiprono blazed past Chepsaita Secondary School’s Cornelius Kibichi, who ran 14:10.06, and Elkana Kirui, who timed 14:15.05, to win the race.

It was the second gold medal Kiprono secured in the championships, following his victory in the cross-country race held on Thursday at Maseno School.

The 18-year-old, former Chepsaita Cross-Country Run champion in the 4km race category for 14-15-year-olds in 2024, took the lead from the start and showed no signs of slowing down until he crossed the finish line.

The Form Three student from St. Francis Kimuron Boys High School could not hide his joy after completing a double in the national fiesta.

“I’m happy to win this race. Despite the harsh weather conditions, I pushed hard and won the race,” said Kiprono.

He added that the cross-country race was a perfect buildup for the 5000m race.

"I controlled the speed well in yesterday's race, setting my sights on winning today's race.”

Kiprono, a specialist in both races, draws inspiration from 800m World and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, who won the junior title at the 2003 IAAF World Cross Country Championships when he was 19.

He already boasts a 3000 m title at the 2025 Africa Under-18/20 Championships and is keen on following in the footsteps of former alumni: 800m world record holder David Lekuta Rudisha and rising star Phanuel Koech.

Wilson Chepkwech and Josphine Sembeyo also took the men's and women’s 1500m titles, respectively, in thrilling finals staged at the same venue.

Chepkwech had to dig deep to beat David Kapaiko at the finishing line and win the gold medal in the tightly contested race.

The 17-year-old Andersen Boys student timed 03:39;04, while Kapaiko clocked 03:40:07 to finish second. Emmanuel Lemiso from the Nairobi region took home the bronze medal.

Chepkwech, who trains at Kimoron training camp in Iten, is determined to complete his memorable year by winning the East African title.

“The race was tight but I’m happy I managed to hold onto the win. I’m going to do my best to clinch the East African title too.”

In the girls' race, Josphine Sembeyo blazed past Sheila Chepngeno and Scholastica Chemtai to take home the title.

Sembeyo timed 04:14.02 while Chepngeno and Chemtai clocked 04:19.0 and 04:26. 4 respectively. The AIC Oloktoktok Girls High School student was over the moon following the triumph.

“The race has not been easy for me but I can say hard work led to my success."

"After finishing in second place at the regional level, I went back to the drawing board, worked on my speed and came back hungry to win the title,” Sembeyo told the press.

The 18-year old who doubles up both 800m and 1500m wants to emulate the races specialists Lilian Odira and Faith Kipyegon whom she draws inspiration from.

“I want to emulate Faith and Odira, they motivate me a lot, and I’m proud of their achievements,” Sembeyo added.

Last year, Sembeyo clocked 2:13.4 in the 800m at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games, finishing behind compatriot Judy Kemunto (2:07.9). She is now aiming for gold in the 1500m at the same event.

“I’ll do my best in the 1500m to bring the title home. Last year I finished second in the 800 m and this year I must work hard to get the title.”

Training at Magnolia athletics camp in Oloitoktok—a camp primarily established to rescue girls from female genital mutilation (FGM)—Sembeyo aims to run for Kenya in both junior and senior categories in the future.

She already boasts of the athletics Kenya Meru Meet title she won last year in 1500m.