Morang'a, Bett win fourth edition of Nyamira Great Run series

 Aburi Morang’a and Faith Bett beat favourites to win the senior women and men’s races during the fourth edition of the Nyamira Great Run Series at Kiendege secondary.

The hotly contested men’s race saw Morang’a emerged winner after crossing the line in 29:51.28 and was closely trailed in second place by secondary school student Felix Boera who finished in 29:32.29. Richard Atuya completed the podium finish in 30:19.29.

Race favourite Enock Onchari settled for the fourth position in 30:29.15 with Evans Mayaka (30:34.81) finishing fifth. Stephen Arita (30:41.07),  who won the Nyamira North 10km race two weeks ago was sixth.

Bett defeated fancied and Italy-based Teresa Omosa to second place in the women’s 10km cross country event held on Friday in Manga sub county. 

Bett clocked 36:15.52 while Omosa, who returned in the country last week from Italy,  crossed the line in 36:50.31 . Third place went to Christine Oigo in 37:14.41.

Gladys Otero (38:12.15) and Tecla Nyabuto (39:21.94)  and Doris Omari (39:98.41) completed the top six places.

Morang’a, who trains at Mochenwa, said the course was tough. “The course was not easy because it was muddy and had many barriers. However, I’m happy I emerged top. I’m now focusing on Nyamira South 10km and the Nyamira Great Run 10km race on December 13,” said Morang’a.

On his part, Onchari said he has not fully recovered after participating in Paris Marathon, where he was a pace setter. Other race favourites Italy-based Dickson Simba (31:03.48) and marathoner Sammy Nyokaye (31:26.93) finished 8th and 9th respectively.

“The competition was very stiff today. From what I have seen, there is great improvement from my opponents. I will up my preps ahead of the next race,” added Onchari who won the first two races in the series and finished second in the third race.

Nyamira Deputy Governor James Gesami was the chief guest during the event. The county government sponsors the five-part series.

Jane Ghati lived up to expectations, clinching the junior women’s 6km in 20:20.97. She was followed by Mary Nyaboke in second place in 20:46.50 and Winnervine Orwoba in 22:42.74.

Job Kimonde won the men’s junior 8km in 32:19.79,  beating Alfanus Munga (32:48.98) and Vincent Koech (32:48.48) to sercond and third places respectively.

The fifth race in the series - Nyamira South 10km road race – will take place on November 19. The race will start at Sironga and end at Nyamira primary.

The main and final race of the series – the Nyamira 21km Great Run - will be held on December 13, a day after Jamhuri Day celebrations. The race will start at Chepilat and finish at Ikonge primary school.