The Nairobi edition of the Betika Bingwafest Championships, held at the Nairobi West Prison Grounds at the weekend, once again highlighted the importance of high-paying track competitions in Kenya.
Sponsored by gaming company Betika, the Bingwafest series has become a game-changer, providing a crucial platform for local athletes to fine-tune their speed endurance and compete at an elite level.
Chepkurui’s Comeback: Eyeing World Championship Trials
Purity Chepkurui, the women’s 1,500 metres champion, used the race as part of her preparations for the upcoming Tokyo World Championships national trials.
Having recently won a two-kilometre loop at the National Cross Country Championships and the Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, Chepkurui views Bingwafest as a critical step in her comeback journey after an injury cost her a spot at the Paris Olympics.
“This race was crucial for me to test my speed endurance. I feel stronger now, and I’m confident that with more races like this, I’ll be in top form for the national trials,” said Chepkurui, a Form Four student at Tiloa Secondary School.
Chepngeno’s Double Victory: Road Racer Makes Mark
Violah Chepngeno, a road racing specialist from Keringet, Nakuru County, trained by former Olympian Josphat Bet (2008 World Junior Championships 10,000m gold medalist), dominated both the 10,000m and 5,000m categories.
Chepngeno clocked 34 minutes, 41.8 seconds to win the 10,000m race. However, despite her track success, she confirmed that she will not compete on the track at the Tokyo trials, instead using Bingwafest to build endurance for her road racing season.
“The race was tough, but it was exactly what I needed to boost my endurance. I may not be running on the track in Tokyo, but this will help me prepare for my upcoming road race,” said Chepngeno.
Chepkemoi’s Transition to Senior Category
For Mercy Chepkemoi, a Form Four student at Tiloa Mixed Secondary School in Kuresoi, the Nairobi West Prison race was part of her transition into the senior-level competition.
Having made her senior 10km cross country debut at the National Championships and finished 11th at the Absa Sirikwa Classic, Chepkemoi is gaining invaluable experience.
“I didn’t make it to the podium this time, but running with elite athletes has given me the motivation to push harder in my training,” said Chepkemoi, a 3,000m finalist at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
Munanu’s Consistency: Preparing for Macau
Embu-based Mary Munanu, set to compete in the 10,000m race in Macau on March 16, took part in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races at Bingwafest, using them to sharpen her endurance.
Reflecting on her Bingwafest performances, where she placed 5th in Machakos (1,500m), 4th in Mombasa (10,000m), and another 4th-place finish in Nairobi, Munanu remains determined to break into the podium.
“I am happy with my consistency, but I know I can do better. My goal is to break into the podium in my next race,” said Munanu.
She also urged the organizers to expand the series to regions like Embu, citing the wealth of untapped talent.
“There is a lot of untapped potential in Eastern Kenya, and having more races there would inspire more young runners,” she added.
Kogei Claims Men’s 10,000m Title
In the men’s 10,000m final, Nickson Kogei, who trains in Iten, emerged victorious in 28:58.
“Winning here was great, but I know I need to work on my finishing kick. The competition was tough, and that’s what makes this series exciting,” said Kogei.
He was followed closely by Dennis Kipkurui (29:00) and Bernard Kipkemoi (29:05), both from Keringet in Nakuru County. Alfred Kimani (29:31) and John Mungai (29:51) rounded off the top five.
Manang’oi and Cheruiyot Eye New Challenges
1,500m winner George Manang’oi acknowledged the high-intensity racing conditions and emphasized his focus on refining his speed work.
“This race was an eye-opener. I need to go back to the drawing board and focus on sharpening my speed for the 1,500m battles ahead,” said Manang’oi, who trains alongside Olympic 1,500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot.
Meanwhile, Timothy Cheruiyot, fresh from his 800m men’s final victory, is considering a switch to the 5,000m race, citing fierce competition in his signature 1,500m event.
“Look at how the Europeans are running well in the 1,,500m, with records being shattered. This makes me consider diversifying my race options. I might try my luck in the 5,000m,” said Cheruiyot, who is also a Kenya Prisons officer.
As competition in middle-distance events intensifies, both athletes are considering adjustments to their training and event selection in pursuit of continued excellence.
Betika’s Vision: A Kenyan Olympic-Style Event
The Betika Bingwafest series has continued to redefine Kenyan track competitions, with previous editions in Machakos and Mombasa attracting top-tier athletes.
The substantial prize money and professional organization have propelled Bingwafest into a premier event, ensuring that local athletes remain globally competitive.
Betika brand manager Erick Mwiti emphasized the event’s role in nurturing young talents across different sports.
“We did basketball, rugby, and soccer, then athletics at the Nairobi West Prison. We have noticed that there is a lot of untapped talent, and we witnessed very competitive heats in races, mostly the sprints,” said Mwiti.
The vision behind Bingwafest is to create a Kenyan version of the Olympics, offering athletes a structured competition.
“When we had the last Olympics, we noticed that we did not have an Olympic-like competition in Kenya, especially in athletics. So we came up with the idea through Bingwafest, some sort of Kenyan Olympics,” Mwiti explained, hinting that they may introduce more sporting events in future editions.
As Bingwafest continues to grow, the showdown is expected to be a major event, with the date and venue yet to be announced.
“Having global talents compete at Bingwafest is an honor, and we are expecting a big final,” Mwiti added.
With rising stars like Mercy Chepkemoi and Purity Chepkurui making waves on the global stage, platforms like Bingwafest could be key to shaping Kenya’s next generation of champions.
Robert Kibet is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He previously worked as a correspondent for Milele FM. His feature stories on development, the climate crisis, the environment, conflict, human rights, food security, and education have been published in The Guardian UK, Reuters, IPS, DW, The New Humanitarian, and Equal Times.
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