Men's Africa Duathlon Cup Champion is being given a medal after cutting the tape to claim victories in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
Kenya’s duathletes Joseph Okal and Meghan Irungu stole the show at the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, leading a commanding home performance that saw local athletes sweep the podium in both elite categories.
Okal, grandson of Olympic legend Kipchoge Keino, clocked 1:03:14 to win the men’s elite race ahead of Lewis Kinyua (1:03:24) and David Wanjiru (1:04:39).
“It stopped being about times and became about mental strength,” said Okal, who trained in Eldoret and credited his focus on transitions for the win.
In the women’s elite race, Meghan Irungu claimed victory in 1:13:56, staying composed through transitions to edge Bernice Kariuki (1:19:07) and Adell Wamalwa (1:29:04).
“The race was tough but I trusted my training — transition is always my secret,” Irungu said.
Triathlon Kenya President Joycelene Nyambura hailed the strong home performance and the support received in hosting continental events.
“Our athletes are improving with every race, and hosting at home allows them to earn ranking points without the burden of travel,” she noted.
Women's elite duathlete Carol Wambui hops onto her bike during the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
In the men's elite race, Phineas Kinyua secured second place with a time of 1:03:24, calling the race a valuable learning experience.
“The bike course was a little tough; the road was bumpy, but I kept going,” he recounted. “Sprint distance is harder because I’m used to longer races. My goal is to get into the world category. Duathlon is something I’m learning.”
David Wanjiru completed the podium in 1:04:39, securing a clean sweep for Kenya in the top three. The Africa Duathlon Cup, which preceded the Africa Triathlon Cup on Sunday, culminated in Okal's win, symbolising the continuation of a rich sporting lineage.
Athletes embrace in congratulatory mode shortly after their race in the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
Women's elite race runners-up Bernice Kariuki race on during the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
Duathletes race on from the transition point during their run-bike-run in the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
The men's elite team at the start of their race during the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
Duathlete David Wanjiru takes an early lead in the opening run segment of the elite men’s race of the Africa Duathlon Cup in Kilifi on Saturday, October 11, 2025./CHARLENE MALWA
