Doreen Ngugi of Meru Teachers College is the new national Inter-Collegiate 10,000m champion after winning on the opening day of the Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association championships at Kisii University.
Ngugi, a third-year student, clocked 40:44.04 to secure victory on Tuesday afternoon.
She was followed by Lorna Jemeli of Tambach Teachers College, who finished second in 41:25.02, while Cynthia Jepkoech took third in 42:05.07.
Ngugi said the win was especially meaningful after previous setbacks in the event.
“I’m very happy I won this event after two unsuccessful attempts. This is my final year in college, and I’m excited I’m crowning it with a national 10,000m title,” she said. “I would have posted better times, but it was too hot. I want to thank my college and organisers for making this happen,” she said.
Jemeli, a first-year student, said she was surprised to make the podium.
“I didn’t expect to finish on the podium because I have not trained properly. I’m happy with the silver medal. However, I will go back to college and train hard for next year’s event,” she said.
In the 400m hurdles, Amos Donija booked his place in the final after clocking 57.2, ahead of Joshua Imbusi in 57.4 and Vincent Ng’etich in 58.8.
In the second semi-final, Kevin Kibet led in 58.4, followed by Evanson Kiprotich in 59.5, while William Wambani placed third in 59.9.
The championships, organised by the Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association, are being hosted by Asumbi Teachers College and will run for four days, concluding on Friday.
KTCSA President Duncan Okwaro said this year’s event marks a key milestone following the introduction of tug of war, while chess has also been added to the competition calendar during the ball games.
He also praised principals for supporting co-curricular development.
“Your continued investment in co-curricular activities has greatly contributed to the growth of sports, talent development, and holistic training,” he said.
KTCSA secretary Paul Maina noted that the North Eastern region is participating in the championships for the first time.
He added that Rift Valley were last year’s overall winners and predicted a highly competitive contest this year.
The event was originally scheduled for Gusii Stadium but was moved to Kisii University grounds after the stadium was closed for renovations.
