Kiprop upsets formbook to win in Nyahururu
David Macharia
Newcomer, Emmanuel Kiprop caused a major upset by flooring seasoned athletes to win this year’s Nyahururu 10Km race yesterday.
The 20-year-old Kiprop’s effort of beating 119 men runners earned him Sh30,000 first prize. He covered the race at Maili Saba, Laikipia County in 29:37.07.
The event that is in its third edition is sponsored by a Korean Jang Young Ki. Due to success of the road race, the Korean announced that a half marathon will be part of next year’s edition with a prize purse of Sh2 million.
Kiprop, from a Laikipia private secondary school, said he won the race by sticking to instructions given by coach, Francis Kamau.
“I hanged on with the leading group and only attacked the race at 8km mark as directed by coach. My dream is now to be a top athlete,” the athlete said.
Teammate, Pius Karanja romped home second in 29:41.76. Behind Karanja was Bernard Musao 29:47.62 In the men’s race whose depth of prizes covered the top 30 finishers.
In the women’s 5km race, Esther Wambui pocketed Sh10,000 top prize after winning in 16:39.06. Wambui said she could have ran faster had it not been for the fact that she arrived in the country from Japan only three days prior to the race. She is among Japan-based athletes who are at home for holidays.
