Daniel Ebenyo Steals the Show at Western Region BingwaFest in Mumias
By Editorial Team
Mumias burst into life on Saturday as Daniel Ebenyo delivered a masterclass performance at the Western Region BingwaFest, announcing his return to the track in emphatic style.
Running in his first track competition of the year, the World Cross Country Championships bronze medallist proved untouchable. He dominated both the men’s 10,000m and 5,000m races, thrilling fans who packed the Mumias venue from early morning.
Ebenyo set the tone in the 10,000m race, where he powered to victory in 28:57.1. He held off a determined challenge from Robert Kiprop, who finished second in 29:15.1, while Victor Kipruto settled for third in 29:16.0. With confidence soaring, Ebenyo returned later in the day and sealed his double by winning the 5,000m in 13:54.5, ahead of Amason Kireu and Dennis Kipkoech.
His dominant display earned him a total of KES 550,000, pocketing KES 300,000 from the 10,000m and KES 250,000 from the 5,000m.
Speaking after his victories, Ebenyo described the event as refreshing. He said it was his first time competing at BingwaFest and welcomed the growing number of competitions giving athletes more racing opportunities.
While Ebenyo shone in the men’s races, the women’s events were just as gripping. In the 10,000m, Miriam Kibet edged out Caroline Kariba in a nail-biting finish. Kibet clocked 33:39.2, narrowly beating Kariba’s 33:39.5, as Mercy Kipchumba followed closely in third.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Janet Jepkoech emerged as one of the breakout stars of the day. She claimed double gold in the women’s 1500m and 5,000m races, walking away with KES 400,000. Jepkoech began her campaign by winning the 1500m in 4:19.2, before returning to dominate the 5,000m in 16:26.7.
Reflecting on her performance, Jepkoech said she had initially targeted a top-three finish but felt strong as the races unfolded, giving her the confidence to push for victory.
Elsewhere, Ricky Kipchumba clinched the men’s 1500m title in 3:48.3, narrowly beating Julius Bayang and Brian Kiptoo in a tightly contested race.
The 800m races also delivered excitement. Emily Jerop won the women’s race in 2:09.2, while Noah Kibet claimed the men’s title with a time of 1:49.4. Kiptoo added another bronze to his tally after finishing third.
Action continued in the sprints, where Sylvia Chesebe doubled up with wins in the women’s 400m after finishing second earlier in the 800m. Joshua Wanyonyi took top honours in the men’s 400m, edging out Dennis Masika and Kennedy Kimeu.
In the 100m dash, Richard Ogutu sprinted to victory in 10.5 seconds, narrowly beating Elkana Sabila. Brenda Masitsa claimed gold in the women’s race, as Lavender Amutavi and Susan Nyambura completed the podium.
The relays wrapped up the day in style. Blaze dominated the women’s 4x100m, while Utawala A took the men’s title. Eldoret powered to victory in the men’s 4x400m, as Blaze capped a strong outing by winning the women’s race.
With the Western Region chapter concluded, attention now turns to the Coast Region BingwaFest, set to take place next month in Diani.
