Athletics: Rift Valley reigns supreme in national school games

Rift Valley region conquered four out of possible eight track events held on Thursday in the ongoing national secondary school games at Moi Girls high school- Eldoret.

In the 10,000 m race boy's category, Cross-Country champion Raphael Dapash from Mutarakwa secondary school in Nakuru beat his closest rival Kevin Kiplagat of Sinonin Secondary School to take the crown home. Dapash clocked 30:34:26 as Kiplagat ran for 30:46:30 minutes.

Dapash was elated after the win terming it an unexpected victory.

"The race was good, 10,000 m is a long race and it needs bravery to emerge the winner," said Dapash.

In the 1500m girl's category, Mary Nyaboke from Kaberesi secondary school in Kisii took the glory home with Janet Jepkemboi from Kondabilet secondary school in the Rift Valley region sealing the second spot. Nyaboke recorded a speed of 4:38:03 as Jepkemboi clocked 4:43:04.

Nyaboke was happy to emerge victorious praising her coach Charles Ong'ong'we preparing her for the race.

"When I came here I targeted a win and I believed I would win the race. I want to bring Kenya gold in the East African school games," noted Nyaboke.

In the boys’ category, Collins Kibiwott from AIC Kosirai secondary school outshone Ezekiel Kipkorir of Andersen Secondary in Trans Nzoia to emerge the winner with the Rift Valley region dominating the race. Kipkoech clocked 3:35:05 while Kiptum recorded a speed of 04:01:00.

In the 5000m walking race girl's category, Margaret Gati from Cheptonon Secondary School won with ease as she clocked 24:54:02. Doris Githae from Mwihoti secondary school in Central Region sealed the second spot clocking 26:56:09 to earn a place in the East African school games.

While in the 5000m race girl's category, Mercy Chepkorir of Kaliet secondary school in Nandi came from behind in the last gap to beat the runners-up Jane Gati of Mosongo Secondary School in Kisii who was leading the race with three laps to go. Chepkorir clocked 17:00:08 with Gati recording a speed of 17:03:00.

Chepkorir was overjoyed by the victory which she says he wasn't expecting.

"The race was tough due to the competition from other regions. I knew I would outclass Gati in the last from a tactical approach to the race because I still had energy," said Chepkorir

In the 3000m final boy's category, Ronald Kipkoech of Kalyongwet Secondary School in Nandi won the race after clocking 8:36:03. Victor Kiptum from AIC Kosirai secondary school in Nandi sealed the second spot clocking 08:48:09.

The winner and the first runners-up of the races will represent Kenya in the upcoming East African school games set to be held in Rwanda.

The athletics will enter a climatic finale on Friday with all remaining finals taking to the stage.