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Lilian Odira: A Star in the Making

Lilian Odira on home strech during Kenya Prisons Cross country championships on Saturday 18, 2025 in Ruiru, Nairobi County. Photo: Peter Njoroge

Standing tall at 1.67m and weighing approximately 55kg, Lilian Odira has redefined expectations. The Kenya National 800m champion, stunned everyone at the 2025 Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships, at the Ruiru Prisons College.

Against all odds, she went toe-to-toe with some of Kenya’s most celebrated long-distance runners during the 10km race, finishing third behind Loice Chemining and Brillian Chepkorir. What made this feat even more remarkable is that, Odira outpaced none other than the marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich.

Lilian Odira trails Loice Chemining (115), Brilliance Chepkorir (073) and Ruth Chepngetich (116) during the Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships on Saturday (18) in Ruiru, Nairobi County. Photo: Peter Njoroge

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From Humble Beginnings to National Stardom

Lilian’s incredible journey began in Ndonyo Village, Migori County, in Kenya’s Nyanza region. As a spirited young girl, she recalls running around the village with boundless energy, often keeping her mother on her toes. “I used to run aimlessly here and there,” she says with a radiant smile. “Mama always joked that one day, I’d fly.”

READ ALSO: EDMUND SEREM: KENYA’S RISING STAR IN THE 3000M STEEPLECHASE

The second-born in a family of two, Lilian started her education at Ndonyo Primary School before moving to Nyota Secondary School, renowned for nurturing middle-distance runners. Initially torn between football and athletics, her breakthrough came at Keberesi Secondary School, where she received a full sports scholarship. With guidance from Principal Albert Ombiro and coaches Dennis Odongo and Charles Onwongo, she focused on the 800 meters races.

Her talent shone early, when she won the 2016 KSSA Games in Embu with a time of 2:08.7. Later that year, she claimed bronze at the East Africa School Games in Eldoret. Though she narrowly missed a spot in the IAAF World U20 Championships, she remained determined, joining the Kenya Prisons camp and officially becoming part of the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) in 2017.

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Challenges and Resilience

After completing rigorous officer training in 2018, Lilian faced a challenging recovery period. Joining Rongai Athletics Club (RAC) under Coach Bernard Ouma, her progress was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She embraced motherhood, welcoming two sons in 2020 and 2022.

Cerebration time, Lilian and her coach Jacinta Muraguri after she won finals of Senior Africa champions.Photo: Peter Njoroge

Despite these hurdles, Lilian resumed training in 2023 under the mentorship of Superintendent of Prison Jecinta Muraguri. Her dedication paid off with impressive performances, including a fourth-place finish at the African Games in Ghana and a silver medal at the African Championships in Cameroon, clocking 2:00.36.

ALSO READ: ASBEL KIPROP KEMBOI: KENYA’S HIGH JUMP STAR

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A Comeback for the Ages

Lilian’s defining moment came in 2024 when she won the Kenya National Trials for the Paris Olympics. In Paris, she reached the semifinals and shattered her personal best, clocking 1:58.53. This achievement secured her a spot at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Lilian Odira and sarah Moraa during the trials for the Senior Africa championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex.Photo: Peter Njoroge

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Recent Performances

•           Machakos Cross Country (10km): 9th place

•           Ol-Karao Cross Country (2km Loop): 2nd place

•           Bomet Cross Country (2km Loop): 3rd place

•           Kenya Prisons Cross Country (10km): 3rd place

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Words of Wisdom

Lilian credits her success to discipline, resilience, and her unwavering support system. “Coach Jacinta is like a mother to me. She’s been there through thick and thin, even helping me balance training with motherhood,” said Lilian. She also expresses deep gratitude to Kenya Prisons Service, especially Senior Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons, Angus Kimega Masoro, for their unwavering support.

Her family plays an equally vital role. “My parents have been my biggest fans, and my two boys are my greatest cheerleaders. After every race, their love and understanding keep me going,” she shares. Lilian is also inspired by her sister-in-law, the legendary Hellen Obiri, who continually motivates her to reach new heights.

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Achievements

Key milestones in 2024:

•           1:58.53 – Paris Olympics Semifinals

•           1:58.90 – Boris Hanžeković Memorial, Zagreb

•           2:00.36 – African Athletics Championships, Douala

•           1:59.27 – National Trials, Nairobi

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Message to Aspiring Athletes

“Run with your heart, and the world will open its doors to you. Discipline, dedication, and commitment are non-negotiable. Without them, regrets will come sooner than later,” Lilian advises.

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Lilian Odira’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and dreams. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes with her unwavering determination and grace.

Author

  • Peter Njoroge

    Peter Njoroge is a seasoned sports photographer with over 15 years of experience. He has covered major sporting events, including the 2015 Africa Senior Athletics Championships, the 2017 World Under-18 Championships, and the 2019 World Under-20 Championships. Njoroge has developed an in-depth understanding of Kenya’s athletes, capturing their journeys, triumphs, and defining moments on and off the field. His extensive experience and dedication have earned him strong connections and a solid rapport within sports circles both locally and internationally. Through his lens, Njoroge continues to document the vibrant world of athletics, preserving the legacy of Kenya’s sporting excellence while providing a global audience with a front-row seat to the nation’s iconic moments in sports history.

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