Running News Daily

With her eyes fixed on pacing duties at the Osaka Women’s Marathon, racing the Barcelona Marathon, and building toward the Boston Marathon, Kenya’s Loice Chemnung turned Bingwafest 2025’s Central Edition into a statement performance—completing a commanding women’s 10,000m–5,000m double Dec 20 at Kinoru Stadium In Maru, Kenya.  

Barely hours apart, Chemnung treated the track not as a destination but as a finely tuned instrument—honing speed and strength for the roads ahead. The West Pokot-born runner swept both distance titles, reinforcing a season that has reshaped her career trajectory and announced her as a serious marathon contender.

10,000m: Control, Pressure, and a Decisive Move

The women’s 10,000m opened the meeting with a tactical, high-quality contest. Chemnung asserted early control but faced sustained pressure from Maryam Lufti Njoki (formerly Christine Njoki). The pair exchanged the lead through the opening and middle stages, steadily stretching the field as the tempo rose.

With just under three kilometres remaining, Chemnung injected a measured, relentless surge that finally broke Njoki’s resistance. She powered home unchallenged in 32:07.7, with Njoki second in 32:56.9 and Cintia Chepngeno third in 33:01.1.

Depth followed the medals. Deborah Chemutai placed fourth (33:05.1), ahead of Esther Chemtai Kipkech (33:24.3) and Jackline Rotich (34:12.9), underscoring the opener’s competitive density.

5,000m: The Encore

Hours later, Chemnung returned for the 5,000m—and the script repeated. Calm and economical, she waited before asserting herself late to claim victory again, completing a rare double at the meet. Njoki finished second once more, confirming her range, while Chepngeno secured another third—two podiums in a single day.

The double was deliberate. Bingwafest was built into Chemnung’s training, not circled for trophies.

“I had planned to run only the 10,000m, but my coach encouraged me to also try the 5,000m,” she said. “I used these races as tempo and speed training.”

After visa delays forced her to miss a planned race in Thailand, Chemnung chose to stay sharp at home.

“I chose Bingwafest as part of my speed workouts,” she explained. “Seeing my coach running around the track and pushing me to the limits really helped.”

From Track Authority to Road Ambition

That pragmatic approach mirrors a season defined by a successful transition to the roads. In October, Chemnung debuted at the Chicago Marathon—a World Athletics Platinum Label race—finishing an impressive fourth in 2:18:24, immediately elevating her profile.

Her endurance credentials are clear: a 30:44.86 track PB for 10,000m (May 2024) and a 29:57 road 10km best—numbers that explain both her closing authority at Kinoru and her confidence stepping up to the marathon.

Looking ahead, the roadmap is set: pace Osaka in January 2026, race Barcelona in February, then focus fully on Boston.

“Next season, I may not focus much on track races because my main focus will be on the marathon,” she said. “I thank God because since 2024, I feel I have been running my best.”

Roots and Motivation

Chemnung hails from Ortum village in West Pokot—the third-born in a family of nine raised by farming parents. The only runner in her family, she shares origins with Doris Lemngole, the 2025 Bowerman Award winner and University of New Mexico standout. Two elite runners from the same village have become a powerful source of motivation.

“I come from West Pokot, and I am proud of Tecla Lorupe and running for a cause—to help others in my community,” Chemnung said. “Seeing what Doris has achieved also inspires me.”

At Kinoru Stadium, that inspiration translated into action: two races, two wins, and a clear message. The track is now a means, not the destination. As Chemnung sets her sights on Osaka, Barcelona, and Boston, her Bingwafest double serves as a timely reminder—Kenya’s next marathon force is sharpening her edge, one lap at a time.

Bingwafest 2025 – Women’s Results

10,000m Final

1. Lucy (Loice) Chemnung – 32:07.7

2. Maryam Lufti Njoki – 32:56.9

3. Cintia Chepngeno – 33:01.1

4. Deborah Chemutai – 33:05.1

5. Esther Chemtai Kipkech – 33:24.3

6. Jackline Rotich – 34:12.9

7. Veronica Wakuraya – 34:14.8

8. Miriam Jelagat Tamu – 34:28.1

9. Jacinta Kamau – 34:28.7

10. Melan Chepleting Misikhu – 34:29.4

5,000m Final

1. Loice Chemnung (129) – 15:22.42

2. Miriam Lutfi (021) – 15:32.73

3. Cynthia Chepngeno (144) – 15:45.34

4. Nancy Cherop (032) – 15:50.75

5. Deborah Chemutai (048) – 15:55.76

6. Esther Chemutai (212) – 16:01.87

7. Fancy Cherop (032*) – 16:05.78

8. Jackline Rotich (296) – 16:20.59