Walk race: Gathimba, Wanjiru storm to victories at Kip Keino Classic

Gilbert Kiprotich at Nyayo

Reigning African walk race champion Samuel Gathimba and Africa silver medallist Grace Wanjiru reigned supreme at the 20km walk racing walking event as the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour meet kicked off Saturday morning at the Nyayo Stadium.

Walk racing  is part of the national events that involves Kenyan athletes with the main programme that consists of core events set to commence later Saturday afternoon.

Africa junior champion Dominic Ndingiti placed fourth in the men’s race(though organizers are yet to release the official times in this race).

“This was my first race and after being out of action for a long time I am happy with my performance today. I developed some complications heading to the final two laps. However, it was a good exposure for me, and I know from these results that something good is coming next season,” said Ndingiti.

Other national events lined up are women’s long jump (1.25pm), 400m hurdles women (1.45pm), 10,000m (2pm) and men’s high jump (3.35pm).

Core events which are under the World Athletics Continental series programme consists of hammer throw, 3000m steeplechase, and 200m for both men and women.

The 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m and men’s javelin fall under discretionary events.