World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo delivered a dominant performance at the Western Region BingwaFest, claiming a double victory in the 5,000m and 10,000m races at Mumias Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday, while Miriam Kibet emerged victorious in the women’s 10,000m.
Fresh from winning silver at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA, Ebenyo powered to the 10,000m title in 28:57.1, finishing ahead of 2019 All-Africa Games 5,000m champion Robert Kiprop, who clocked 29:15.1. Victor Kipruto completed the podium in 29:16.0.
Earlier in the day, Ebenyo underlined his dominance in his first track appearance of the season by storming to victory in the 5,000m in 13:54.5. Amason Kireu finished second in 14:09.0, with Dennis Kipkoech close behind in 14:10.2.
The double triumph earned Ebenyo a total of KES 550,000, comprising KES 300,000 for the 10,000m win and KES 250,000 for the 5,000m title.
In the women’s 10,000m, Kibet edged out Caroline Kariba in a thrilling duel down the home straight, claiming victory in 33:39.2. Kariba finished a close second in 33:39.5, while Mercy Kipchumba placed third in 33:40.1.
Nineteen-year-old Janet Jepkoech enjoyed a standout meet, capturing both the 1,500m and 5,000m titles. She opened her campaign with a 1,500m win in 4:19.2, ahead of Naomi Cherono (4:24.6), with Kariba securing her second podium finish in third. Jepkoech later dominated the 5,000m, winning in 16:26.7, ahead of Tabitha Njeri (16:29.6) and Mercy Chepkemoi (16:30.4).
Ricky Kipchumba claimed the men’s 1,500m title in a tight finish, clocking 3:48.3 to narrowly beat Julius Bayang (3:48.4), while Brian Kiptoo finished third in 3:49.9.
World Indoor 800m silver medallist Noah Kibet, preparing for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, won the men’s 800m in 1:49.4, ahead of Nicodemus Kirui (1:50.5). Brian Kiptoo earned his second podium finish of the day by placing third in 1:52.0.
In the women’s 800m, Emily Jerop took top honours in 2:09.2, followed by Sylvia Chesebe (2:09.5), with Daisy Ruto finishing third. Chesebe later returned to win the women’s 400m in 56.6, ahead of Bracian Nelima (57.3) and Grace Kidake (57.5).
Joshua Wanyonyi thrilled the home crowd by winning the men’s 400m in 48.0, edging Kenya Defence Forces athlete Dennis Masika (48.2) and Southern Region’s Kennedy Kimeu (48.5).
Richard Ogutu claimed the men’s 100m title in 10.5 seconds, finishing just ahead of Elkana Sabila, with James King’ori third in 10.7. In the women’s 100m, Brenda Masitsa sprinted to victory in 12.0, followed by Lavender Amutavi (12.4) and Kenya Premier League referee Susan Nyambura (12.6).
Relay honours saw Blaze dominate the women’s 4x100m in 47.1, ahead of Utawala (48.2) and Kiptere (49.0), while Utawala A claimed the men’s title in 40.0, ahead of KDF (40.4) and Utawala B (40.7).
Eldoret controlled the men’s 4x400m relay, winning in 3:06.7 ahead of Ultimate (3:13.1) and Southers (3:14.0). In the women’s race, Blaze triumphed in 3:39.4, followed by Kiptere (3:45.0) and Mombasa (4:15.9).
Attention now turns to the Coast Region leg of the BingwaFest, scheduled to take place in Diani in February.
