Kirika, Wambui, Wanjiku, and Mwaniki Deliver Breakout Performances at 47th KATA Time Trial in Thika
Thika, Kenya, July 16, 2025 — The KATA Time Trial series continues to thrive as the 47th edition unfolded Wednesday morning at KATA’s flagship training center in Thika. A total of 37 athletes—28 men and 9 women—lined up to test their fitness over the 5km and 10km distances. The event showcased rising stars, personal breakthroughs, and a glimpse of what’s coming as KATA prepares to expand its time trial series across all 22 of its Kenyan locations.
Zachary Kirika, 24, headlined the men’s 5km with a dominant performance from the gun. He clocked a personal best of 14:04, lowering his previous time by over 35 seconds while running smooth and composed throughout. He now ranks among the top KATA 5km performers in 2025.
Also making headlines was Justus Nyamai, a 17-year-old with enormous potential. He finished 3rd in 15:40, also a personal best, signaling his steady rise through the KATA ranks.
In the women’s 5km, 15-year-old Ann Wanjiku led from the front and took the win in 19:44, pacing herself smartly to secure another strong finish for the young talent.
The men’s 10km produced a competitive front pack, but it was Peter Mwaniki, 27, who came out on top with an impressive 29:15 finish. He was closely followed by Stephen Ngigi in 29:39, as both athletes pushed each other through the final kilometers.
The women’s 10km brought an emotional highlight. Lois Wambui, 25, returned to racing after battling injuries for months. She clocked a personal best of 34:16, trimming more than 30 seconds off her previous best. Her performance signaled that she is back and ready to chase podiums again.
Full Results – 47th KATA Time Trial (July 16, 2025)
5km – Men
1. Zachary Kirika (24) – Bib 399 – 14:04
2. Kelvin Lagui (23) – Bib 167 – 15:33
3. Justus Nyamai (17) – Bib 431 – 15:40
4. Godfrey Kahora (19) – Bib 149 – 15:41
5. Ishmael Mburu (29) – Bib 003 – 15:54
6. Christopher Kimani (20) – Bib 021 – 16:07
7. Collins Mutungi (18) – Bib 022 – 17:07
8. Eric Mwaura (18) – Bib 223 – 17:14
9. Brandon Mutungi (17) – Bib 409 – 18:11
10. Kelvin Muchiri (18) – Bib 018 – 18:45
11. Frederick Maina (17) – Bib 060 – 20:21
5km – Women
1. Ann Wanjiku (15) – Bib 433 – 19:44
2. Tabitha Wanjiru (15) – Bib 386 – 23:18
10km – Men
1. Peter Mwaniki (27) – Bib 055 – 29:15
2. Stephen Ngigi (22) – Bib 374 – 29:39
3. Kelvin Kemoi (23) – Bib 261 – 30:11
4. Boniface Mungai (29) – Bib 029 – 30:17
5. John Njuguna (29) – Bib 046 – 30:25
6. Charles Ndirangu (24) – Bib 044 – 30:46
7. Peter Wanyoike (29) – Bib 039 – 30:50
8. John Chege (19) – Bib 257 – 30:51
9. Joel Maina (40) – Bib 057 – 31:24
10. James Muriithi (31) – Bib 256 – 31:34
11. Joseph Karanja (44) – Bib 206 – 32:29
12. Joseph Wanjiru (39) – Bib 464 – 32:44
13. Johnson Kaberia (28) – Bib 066 – 33:09
14. Vincent Kiprotich (23) – Bib 419 – 33:46
15. Joseph Nyota (20) – Bib 001 – 34:40
16. Simon Ngeresa (26) – Bib 049 – 34:46
17. Charles Ndirangu (64) – Bib 020 – 38:24
10km – Women
1. Lois Wambui (25) – Bib 056 – 34:16
2. Susan Njuu (37) – Bib 027 – 34:29
3. Virginia Wanjiru (24) – Bib 032 – 34:47
4. Karen Chepkemoi (23) – Bib 437 – 37:11
5. Ruth Maina (22) – Bib 397 – 37:20
6. Jane Wanjiru (43) – Bib 013 – 38:29
7. Lucy Muritu (41) – Bib 053 – 44:16
What’s Next for KATA Time Trials
The next KATA Time Trial is scheduled for August 13, 2025, in Thika, and it will mark the official launch of a nationwide expansion. Beginning in August, all 21 other KATA Running Camps and Potato Farms across Kenya will start hosting official KATA Time Trials.
• The Thika location will continue to host trials monthly.
• The other 21 locations will host a time trial every other month, giving their athletes a chance to race at Thika in between.
This expansion brings the total to 22 official KATA Time Trial venues, offering over 300 athletesregular, structured opportunities to race. Importantly, KATA Time Trials are open to all athletes, not just Kenyans.
5th Annual Kenya Double Road Race – September 20
Another marquee event is on the horizon: the 5th Annual Kenya Double Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Thika.
This unique Double Racing format includes a 10K leg, followed by a break, and then a 5K leg. The combined time determines the final standings.
• Entry fee: 600 KES
• Optional t-shirt: 600 KES additional
• Prize purse: At least 100,000 KES
At last year’s event, Shadrack Kenduiywa set a world record for the Double format, clocking 42:34 combined. He ran 28:33 for the 10K, then came back 1 hour and 45 minutes later to run 14:01 for the 5K.
posted Wednesday July 16th
by Boris Baron