Begi, Onchari rule Ensoko Cross Country series

Enock Onchari and Beatrice Begi won the senior men and senior women's races respectively during the Ensoko Cross Country in Nyamira County on Sunday.

Begi won the women's race in 30:04.10, beating Zipporah Wanjiru to second place in 30:13.05 with race favourite Nancy Kerage timing 31:08.91 for third.

Begi, who trains in Nyahururu said: "It was a tough race but I emerged winner because of my experience. I opted to remain in the leading pack until the 8km mark then broke away."

She said she was using the event to prepare for the Nyamira Great Run 21km race on October 31.

"I was targeting to run under 30 minutes but I'm happy with the win despite missing my target," she added.

Christine Oigo (32:28.92) was fourth ahead of Doris Omari (34:07.24) and Tecla Nyabuto (36:15.16).

Onchari, who trains in Iten, who clocked 26:16.83 to win the race, exchanged leads with Handson Saitoti and Felix Boera before breaking away in the final two kilometres.

Saitoti settled for second place in 26:21.61 while Paul Machoka was third in 26:28.10. Boera, who suffered an ankle injury finished fourth after crossing the finishing line in 26:33.69. 

Joel Moturi (26:37.54) was fifth, a second faster of Gibson Ayiemi (26:38.54) at sixth.

"It was a very tough race. Saitoti and Boera pushed me all the way but I was sure of my finishing kick, which helped me win," said Onchari.

 "I want to thank the county government of Nyamira for sponsoring the series and the Nyamira Great Run, this will go a long way in exposing talent."

Elizabeth Kea clinched the junior women's race in a time of 14:16.04, beating Hyline Onderi (14:49.02) and Vivian Nyanduko ( 14:19.69 ).

Fredrick Primo of Boruma Secondary led from start to finish to win the junior men's race. He clocked 10:53.16. Boniface Samoita came second in 11:15.20 as Samuel Nyakundi returned home third in 11:25.42. The fourth position went to Dominic Obegi in 11:50.80.

Winners in all the categories which included 2km fun races for children and the elderly, received cash awards.

Nyamira Deputy Governor James Gesami, who was the chief guest said: "As a county, we are determined to revive athletics. This is just the beginning."

The second event in the five-part series will be held at Mochenwa in Masaba North on October 3. The series is being held in preparation for the Nyamira Great Run, which will start at Chepilat and finish at Ikonge Primary School.