By: Alfayo Isaac
Kericho born retired sprinter and middle distance runner Wilson Kiprugut Chumo victory from1964 to 1968 is a great legacy on the hearts of many across the world where several athletes across the nation are seen training in various athletic camps in Kericho county.
On his achievement Chumo is celebrated by many where is still receiving heroism medals from various heads of states for his exemplary performance.
A conducive environment favored Edwin Bett and Sheila Chepkirui as the Betika South Rift Cross Country events which were held at Kericho Teachers playing grounds on Saturday.
Bett’s time of 29.32 made him won the race, Micheal Kibet came second with a time of 29.40 and Bravin Kipruto time of 29.45 took the third position.
On the Women’s race Kenya Defence Forces runner Chekirui won the title in 33.18 minutes, Grace laibach 33.29 andViolah Chemweno became second and third position respectively.
On her interview Chepkirui said the trace was tough but she managed to win the race which is also a preparation of races which are a head of her one being Valencia Marathon.
The event which brought together athletes from the South Rift regions began at 0900 hours was sponsored by the Betika Beting firm which its aim is to search of Chumo’s second leg.
According to Betikas Branding and Marketing manager Erick Mwithi said the noble course for the event is to nature’s sports men and women across the nation.
‘Kenya is well known across the world for athletics and to keep the ball rolling we nature the athletes through this various athletics events in preparation of races that are ahead of them .For the North and South Rift region they do best on athletics and that’s the reason behind our coming to Kericho’, Mwithi added.
Mwithi said on more than hundreds of participants who turn up for the event means they many talents lying and there is need to capture them so as to achieve their set goals of becoming international icons.
‘For a long time we have dwell on the football and to touch the hearts of the community we begin the process of having athletics events and has already bear fruits , I do appreciate all who participated on the event we are all winners and wish them at all endeavors’, he added.
He term the event as peaceful and following cases of athletes who have been sited with doping the winners will have to undergo the test and there awards will be presented after a one week test is done
