Marathon Running Achievements

Peres Jepchirchir sets new world record as Kenyan athletes excel in 2024 London Marathon

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Peris Jepchirchir and Alexander Mutiso made impressive achievements at the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Mutiso secured his first title in a time of 2:04.01, closely followed by Kenenisa Bekele who finished second.

Jepchirchir won the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 2:16.16, outpacing elite athletes such as Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei. Her time was also 45 seconds faster than the previous world record set by Mary Keitany.

During the race, Jepchirchir, Assefa, and Jepkosgei broke away from Alemu and battled it out for the top positions. Assefa ultimately finished second with a time of 2:16.23, while Jepkosgei settled for third, crossing the line in 2:16.24.

Jepchirchir’s victory was a remarkable comeback, considering her challenges with injuries during the 2023 season. Mutiso’s win is significant as he is expected to represent Kenya in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

His performance positions him as a contender alongside the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Benson Kipruto. On the women’s side, Jepkosgei is expected to team up with other accomplished runners such as Rosemary Wanjiru, Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich, and Hellen Obiri in future events.

These achievements mark an important moment in the careers of both Jepchirchir and Mutiso, showcasing their potential in the world of marathon running and their contribution to Kenya’s strong tradition in the sport.

Gor Mahia FC

Gor Mahia’s 10-man team secures season double over AFC Leopards in Kenya’s SportPesa Scores & News.

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Gor Mahia FC continued their march towards defending their title in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) with a 1-0 win over AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji derby at Nyayo National Stadium. The winning goal was scored by Austine Odhiambo after a mistake by the AFC Leopards’ goalkeeper Levis Opiyo. Odhiambo capitalized on a costly error from Opiyo, redirecting the ball into the net in the 30th minute of the match, sending Gor Mahia supporters into a frenzy.

This put Gor Mahia in a nine-point lead with seven games remaining in the league. AFC Leopards had missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Jaffari Owiti’s effort hit the goal post, causing disbelief among their fans. Shortly after, Gor Mahia’s custodian Kevin Omondi received a straight red card for preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Gor Mahia managed to secure the narrow win and claim bragging rights. Gor Mahia’s victory increased their tally to 57 points, nine more than second-placed Police FC, while AFC Leopards remained stuck in eighth position with 38 points from 27 matches. In other fixtures, Tusker FC secured a 1-0 victory against Ulinzi Stars, and Murang’a Seal and Muhoroni Youth shared a draw at the SportPesa Arena, with the Brewers’ goal coming from Erick Kapaito shortly after the start of the second half.

Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia’s Financial Motivation to Extend Dominance in the Mashemeji Derby

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Benson Omalla’s brace guided Gor to a 0-2 win in the first leg match, restoring their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with victory. The experienced midfielder, who is the most senior player at the club, has been central to the club’s success in recent years. On the upcoming match against their bitter rivals AFC Leopards, Wendo expressed confidence in Gor’s ability to secure a win and maintain their excellent head-to-head record in the fixture. Owalo visited Gor at their training ground, providing the team with a financial package and delivering a motivational talk.

Wendo viewed Owalo’s support as a source of motivation for the team, emphasizing the importance of winning the upcoming fixture. Several players, including Onyango and Ochieng, expressed their anticipation for the derby and the need to protect Gor’s reputation in the fixture. Onyango, who has never missed a derby since joining Gor, and Otieno, who will miss the match due to injury, both voiced their support for the team and emphasized the solid preparations and incentive provided by Owalo as motivating factors. Additionally, Wangai, who joined the club last year, expressed his eagerness for a chance to play in the upcoming match and make a significant contribution.

He highlighted the importance of performing well in the derby and expressed his desire to secure playing time and potentially make a significant impact on the game.

Athletics Results

Omanyala disappoints fans at Kip Keino Classic as Bednarek wins elusive title

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This year’s title went to American sprinter Kenneth Bednarek, who won the race in 9:91 seconds. Mark Otieno, another Kenyan who featured in the race, settled for sixth. Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala failed to defend his Kip Keino Classic title on Saturday evening at the Nyayo National Stadium. Omanyala, who was the pre-race favorite, did not even manage to finish inside the top 3 positions in the World Athletics Continental Tour event.

The University of Nairobi alumni clocked 10:03 to register a fifth-place position in a race that was won by United States’ sprinter Kenneth Bednarek. Matadi and Azu clocked 9:99 and 10:00 respectively. Speaking to SportPesa News, Bednarek stated that he was happy to see the effort that he has been putting in training pay fruits. “I am just happy with my performance.

I mean, I have been training a lot, working hard on the track. You know, I am just happy to see the results on the track,” he commented. Bednarek added that he has plans to go to a Safari on Sunday before flying out of the country. The sixth-place position went to Kenya’s Mark Odhiambo Otieno, who finished the race 19 seconds slower than his compatriot Omanyala.

Swiss runner William Jeff Reais came a distant third in 20:54. Elsewhere, fast-rising starlet Mary Nyaruai overcame experienced runners such as Edinah Jebitok to run away with the 1500m women’s title. Nyaruai, who won a medal for Kenya at the recently concluded African Games, crossed the finishing line in 4:06.26 ahead of Jebitok (4:07.22) and Ethiopia’s Hawi Abera (4:10.96).

Kip Keino Classic

Kenyan Athletes Wiseman Were & Zablon Ekwam Qualify for Paris Olympic Games

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Zablon Ekwam and Wiseman Were had a remarkable day at the 2024 Kip Keino Classic, securing their spots at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Were dominated the 400m hurdles, setting a meeting record time of 48:57 seconds, comfortably surpassing the required Olympic Games qualification mark. He expressed confidence and hinted at a surprise for the event in Paris. Despite finishing fourth in the 400m category, Ekwam achieved a personal best time of 44:69, expressing his happiness and motivation at the prospect of participating in the Olympic Games.

Both athletes are set to compete in the 4x400m event in Nassau alongside other Kenyan team members for a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The relay event is highly anticipated and is scheduled to take place between May 4 and May 5 as part of the qualification process for the Paris Olympic Games.

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis

Duplantis Sets Record in Xiamen Diamond League; Richardson Upset

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Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, a Swedish pole vaulter, achieved a stunning start to the outdoor season by breaking his own world record at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting. With a clear from 5.62m to 6.00m, he then set a new world record by clearing 6.17m, marking his eighth record in the discipline. Speaking of his performance, Duplantis expressed that everything fell into place for him to achieve a high jump on that day, particularly following his 6.00m attempt. He was pleased with his performance, particularly after what he considered a “sloppy” indoor season and was determined to outdo himself.

American athlete Sam Hendricks, who finished second in the pole vault event, praised Duplantis, saying that he had “God’s hand on his back.” Meanwhile, Australian teenager Torrie Lewis caused an upset by defeating world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson in the 200m. Richardson, however, mentioned that she was nervous at the start, but ultimately felt comfortable on the track and was content with her performance, acknowledging areas for improvement. Gudaf Tsegay, a multi-medallist in various distance running events, set a meet record and world lead in the women’s 1500m race.

Additionally, American Shelby McEwen and Cuban-born Portuguese Pedro Pichardo secured victories in the men’s high jump and triple jump events, respectively. China’s Lijao Gong also triumphed in the women’s shot put, marking successful performances for the athletes on the field.

Formula One

Verstappen enjoys ‘incredible’ pole after China sprint win

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Max Verstappen celebrated winning in Suzuka. Hamilton’s joy at coming second in the Sprint Race turned to despair in Q1 when he locked up, relegating him to 18th in qualifying. It was the first time since the 2022 Saudi Grand Prix that the seven-time world champion had been knocked out so early.

Verstappen continued his dominant start to the season in emphatic style Saturday by romping to sprint victory then claiming pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix – an “incredible” 100th for his Red Bull team. Verstappen looks on course to win a fourth grand prix out of five on Sunday as he marches towards a fourth consecutive world title. The Red Bull driver was 0.322 seconds clear of Sergio Perez as Red Bull locked up the front row, with Fernando Alonso third on Formula One’s return to China after five years away.

Verstappen clocked a fastest lap of 1min 33.660sec to record the team milestone and his first pole at the Shanghai International Circuit. Verstappen won the 19-lap sprint in the morning by a huge 13 seconds from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes as the Dutchman laid down a marker for Sunday’s 56-lap race. Oscar Piastri was fifth fastest in the second McLaren ahead of the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with George Russell’s Mercedes eighth.

Perez was relieved to be on the front row, stating, “Very intense, I nearly got knocked out in Q1. In the final run, the track was getting quite a bit better and I managed to put a good lap together.” Leclerc said he hoped Ferrari could be stronger on Sunday, while Hamilton expressed disappointment at his performance.

Huge crowds turned out to see Shanghai native Zhou Guanyu, China’s first Formula One driver, on the first Chinese Grand Prix weekend since 2019. The fans had plenty to cheer Friday when Zhou propelled his Sauber into the top 10 in a wet sprint qualifying, but he narrowly missed out on scoring a sprint point by finishing ninth. Zhou failed to make it out of Q1, to groans from the packed grandstands, and will start 16th on the grid.

Kenya U20 Rugby Team

Kenya Chipu dominates Namibia for a strong start in 2024 Barthes Cup

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The Kenya U20 rugby team opened the 2024 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup with a 36-28 win against Namibia at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on April 20. The team, under Simon Jawichre’s leadership, had a strong start, taking an early lead with a successful penalty conversion by Patrick Wainana. Despite Namibia’s attempts to equalize, Michael Wamalwa’s try maintained Kenya’s lead at halftime. The team expanded their lead further, but faltered in the second half, allowing Namibia to narrow the gap.

However, a last-minute try secured a 34-28 victory for Kenya. The starting front row comprised of Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea, and Geylord Ngasi, with Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo as the locks. Captain Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli, and Iddo Kuta formed the loose forwards in this intense encounter. Next, the team is set to face Tunisia on Wednesday, April 24, and then Zimbabwe in the final match on Saturday, April 27.

The tournament adopts a round-robin format, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy in Scotland in July.

Kenyan Premier League

Tito Okello’s two goals lead Police to victory over Sofapaka, while Sharks crush Nzoia in Kenya.

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Tito Okello celebrates with Kenneth Muguna after scoring in a past match. They are now just six behind Gor Mahia who will be facing AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday, April 21. Okello is now looking to outstage Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala in the Golden Boot race as they both have 12 goals.

Kenya Police FC have closed down the gap between them and league leaders Gor Mahia after beating Sofapaka 2-1 at the Police Sacco Stadium on Saturday, April 20. Salim Babu’s side started off the match on the wrong foot after Thomas Kakaire opened the scoring for Batoto Ba Mungu in the 17th minute, but Okello levelled from the spot in the 28th minute. Okello added his second of the match from the spot once again in the 76th minute after Francis Kahata was brought down in the dangerous area.

Okello is now looking to out stage Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala in the Golden Boot race as they both have 12 goals. In the first match on Saturday, Nzoia Sugar bowed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Kariobangi Sharks. Mark Makwata who returned to Sharks after missing their last outing due to an injury opened the scoring in the 65th minute following a low cross from Steve Biko.

Geoffrey Onyango doubled the advantage in the 69th minute while Stanely Wilson hammered the last nail in Nzoia’s coffin in the 71st minute. All the goals were scored immediately after center referee Israel Mpaima gave Elisha Wekesa a red card in the 58th minute. At Mombasa Sports Club, Bandari played to a barren draw with KCB Football Club.

KCB avoided a second straight defeat after falling to Kenya Police last weekend by putting on a strong defensive performance to deny the Dockers any goalscoring opportunity. Bandari has 45 points while KCB end this match week with 35 points. The draw moved them above the Muhoroni Youth although they are tied at 25 points.

Muhoroni have played a game less. At Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Nairobi City Stars thrashed FC Talanta 3-0. Goals from Dennis Oalo, Elvis Noor, and Mohamed Bajaber were enough to help Simba wa Nairobi grab the maximum points.

Kenya Police FC

Police aim to narrow gap on Gor Mahia while Shabana seeks another crucial result

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Kenya Police FC is currently ranked second in the FKF Premier League with 45 points. They are aiming to narrow the gap with league leaders Gor Mahia to six points when they face Sofapaka at the Police Sacco Grounds on April 20. The team, led by Salim Babu, is eager to continue their winning streak in match week 27 following a victory over KCB, which propelled them to the second position in the table. Their goal is to trim Gor Mahia’s lead to six points, while also awaiting the results of the Mashemeji Derby on April 21.

However, Kenya Police FC has won only once in their last five encounters with Sofapaka. Meanwhile, Sofapaka is striving to avoid relegation as they currently occupy the 15th position on the league standings with 28 points, just three points above the drop zone. In other fixtures, Bandari will host KCB at the Mombasa Sports Club, Bidco United will clash with Posta Rangers at Thika Sub-county Stadium, and Shabana FC will play against Kakamega Homeboyz at Raila Odinga Stadium. Additionally, FC Talanta will face Nairobi City Stars at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

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