Domongole, Chebet power to glory in Betika Iten 15K Road Race

Women’s winner Naomi Chebet. [Courtesy]

Fredrick Domongole and Naomy Chebet are the winners of the Betika Iten 15K Road Race held in Elgeyo Marakwet County at the weekend.

Intense rivalry was witnessed in the men’s category as Domongole clocked 45:16 to win the cutthroat contest in the championship that attracted 1000 local and international runners.

Erick Kiplangat timed 45:17 to finish second while men’s third place was clinched by John Lomoni after he ended the tape in 45:28.

Chebet was in a class of her own as she breezed to the tape to lift the women’s contest in 51:1. Sheila Cherotich (51:24) and Abigael Chepkoech (51:49) came second and third in that order.

The winners in each category were awarded Sh250,000 for their efforts. Runners ups each got Sh150,000 while third place finishers each went home Sh100,000 richer.

Other top ten athletes were rewarded, with fourth place finishers getting Sh50,000 each, fifth place finishers bagged Sh40,000 apiece while sixth to tenth place finishers each went home with Sh20,000.

While savoring his sweet victory in the men’s category, Domongole stated: “I’m honored to have triumphed in such a prestigious event. Winning this race is a dream come true for me. Iten has a special place in my heart and the other athletes who have all used the region to step up their career in athletics.”

Eric Mwiti, Senior Brand Manager at Betika, expressed his delight at the success of the event, saying, "This race surpassed all expectations, we didn’t expect such a massive turn out. The competition brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds who competed in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

“We are proud to support events that inspire and empower athletes to reach new heights. We believe in empowering athletes and fostering a culture of healthy competition,” Mwiti added.

Athletics Kenya hailed the race saying the contest is a true testament to Kenya's rich sporting heritage as it instils a spirit of resilience and dedication on the competing athletes.

The event marked the third road race sponsored by Betika in Iten and the eighth athletics event in the Rift Valley region over the last six months, which underscores the gaming firm’s commitment to supporting grassroots sporting initiatives and nurturing of talents across the country.