Athletics
The Tale of Ol Kalau Cross Country
From a distance, you cannot see how athletes weave through the trees, but as you approach and step into the park, you’re met with a sigh of relief—cool, fresh air cleansed by thousands of trees in this natural haven. This is Arboretum Park, located in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
Nestled at an altitude of 2,360.90m (7,745.73 ft) above sea level, the park offers a picturesque setting and a perfect stage for this highly anticipated event.
Covering the 151.8 km journey from Nairobi to this serene park takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it a worthwhile escape for athletes and spectators alike. This year, the park hosted the 5th AK Cross Country Series, an event that delivered exhilarating moments and memorable performances.
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The event showcased a mix of races, including categories for children aged 6–9 years and senior citizens over 45 years, where participants displayed impressive talent and energy. However, the main spotlight was on the senior races, which drew large crowds’ eager to witness Kenya’s best runners’ battle, it out.
Senior Men’s 10km
The most competitive category of the day, the Senior Men’s 10km race, saw a thrilling contest of endurance and strategy. Vincent Langat, who stayed in the pack throughout, surged ahead in the final 150m to claim victory with a commanding finish, punching the air in triumph.
LEADING RESULTS
- Vincent Langat – 32:05.2
- Wisley Yego – 32:08.9
- John Lomoni – 32:18.4
Senior Women’s 10km
The Senior Women’s 10km race told a different story. Hellen Ekalale dominated from the start, creating a 50m gap within the first 500m. Despite a late effort by Christine Njoki to catch up, Ekalale held her ground and crossed the finish line with a 20m lead.
LEADING RESULTS
- Hellen Ekalale – 35:53.1
- Christine Njoki – 36:25.1
- Cherotich Joylin – 37:13.1
Women’s 2km Loop
In the Women’s 2km loop, Naomi Korir continued her winning streak. Although Lilian Odira briefly took the lead with 700m to go, Korir drew from her reserves, surged ahead, and sealed another victory.
LEADING RESULTS
- Naomi Korir – 9:09.6
- Lilian Odira – 9:10.6
- Mirriam Cherop – 9:15.4
Under-20 Girls 6km
The Under-20 Girls’ 6km race highlighted emerging talent, with Celestine Mantaine taking the lead and finishing strongly ahead of Alice Chemtai and Sandra Jepchumba.
LEADING RESULTS
- Celestine Mantaine – 23:15.5
- Alice Chemtai – 23:23.5
- Sandra Jepchumba – 23:36.3
Under-20 Boys 8km
The Under-20 Boys’ 8km race was equally thrilling, as Kevin Biwott outpaced his competitors with an exceptional performance to claim first place.
LEADING RESULTS
- Kevin Biwott – 26:12.2
- Silas Senchura
The Arboretum Park in Ol Kalou proved to be a perfect venue, offering a scenic backdrop and an ideal course for cross-country running. The event was a celebration of talent, determination, and the vibrant running culture that Kenya is renowned for.
