Janeth Chepng'etich competes at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex/ HANDOUT After stamping her authority in the 10,000m at the third Athletics Kenya weekend meeting in Kapsabet, 2024 African champion Janeth Chepng'etich has now turned her focus to the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8.
Chepng'etich delivered a commanding display at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, stopping the clock in 34:36.9 ahead of Maurine Chebor (34:38.0) and Marion Kibor (34:44.8).
Despite the resounding triumph, the 28-year-old admitted the win had not been part of her script.
"I did not expect to win today (Friday). The conditions were a bit tough but God helped me. I am happy I won," she said. "My next race will be in Lisbon."
Since making her debut over 21km in 2022, Chepng’etich has enjoyed a steady rise.
Her first outing came at the 2022 Udine Half Marathon in Italy, where she produced a dominant display to storm to victory in 1:08:24.
She returned to the distance in Prague 2023 to clock 1:06:42 for second place behind Irine Jepchumba (1:06:00).
Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray rounded off the podium in 1:07:15.
Later that year, she underlined her growing pedigree on the roads with another podium finish in Valencia, clocking 1:05:15 to finish behind Margaret Chelimo (1:04:46) and Irine Cheptai (1:04:53).
In Kapsabet, Chebor was equally upbeat after her runner-up finish.
"I am glad I was able to finish second today, just like last year. I thank my coaches and the Administration Police for their support," Chebor said.
Kibor drew positives from her bronze medal performance.
"My training before the race was good and I am happy with my performance," she said.
Beyond the distance events, the field competitions lit up the infield with a series of powerful throws and explosive jumps.
In the women’s discus, Caroline Cherotich was in dominant form, launching the discus to 47.24m to claim top honours ahead of Roseline Rakamba (43.90m) and Irene Akifuma (43.22m).
Caleb Chepkwony mirrored that authority in the men’s contest, heaving the discus to 49.25m to finish ahead of Nathan Kibiwot (47.60m) and Johnaris Cheruiyot (47.17m).
The sandpit witnessed its own fireworks with Priscilla Tabunda soaring to 5.62m to clinch victory in the women’s long jump event, with Gloria Mulei (5.52m) and Idah Jepkorir (5.34m) taking second and third, respectively.
In the men’s competition, Isaac Kimunu reigned supreme with a 7.53m leap, edging out Edwin Too (7.37m) and Amos Mwendwa (7.15m).
Moureen Wafula cleared 1.60m to win the women’s high jump, as Margaret Kingi (1.55m) and Gloria Jebet (1.50m) followed.
In Thursday’s finals, Roseline Rakamba dominated the women’s hammer throw with a commanding 52.70m effort, comfortably ahead of Nancy Kanini (47.76m) and Rebecca Koroso (46.22m).
Dominic Abunda wrapped up the field action in style in the men’s hammer final, unleashing a 57.81m throw to top the podium, with Adelbert Nyambasoro (55.65m) and Reagan Oketch (55.31m) completing the top three.
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