Ndinda, Chepng’eno dominate Thika AK weekend meet

The 19-year-old produced a strong, controlled run to stop the clock at 10minutes 28.9seconds, finishing ahead of Tecla Cheserek (10:34.6) and Winsam Cherono (10:35.5).

Chepng’eno, a student at Chagaik Secondary School in Londiani Sub-County, Kericho County, admitted she did not expect to win, saying her main focus is building form ahead of the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene in August.

Meanwhile, Cheserek, who is not a regular steeplechase runner, expressed satisfaction with her podium finish.

“I am happy with the podium finish. I had strong faith when I left home this morning that I would do well,” Cheserek said.

“My aim this year is to improve my personal best. I want to run sub-10 in the steeplechase and I will give a shot at making the Commonwealth Games team,” she added.

At the same venue, fast-rising Fridah Ndinda stamped her authority in the women’s 5,000m final.

The budding runner from Mwala, Machakos County, clocked 16:31.9, edging out Gladys Cherop of Kiprun (16:32.9), while 15-year-old Tabitha Wanjiru settled for third in 16:33.2 in a tightly contested race.

Ndinda, the 2025 Joburg 10km winner and a seventh-place finisher at the Standard Chartered Nairobi City Marathon, said she is targeting a strong season in middle-distance events, drawing inspiration from world champions Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon.

“I have been watching them so that I can improve myself. My tactic was to attack in the last 200 metres and I was confident of the win. This victory will motivate me ahead of the upcoming weekend meetings,” said Ndinda.