Running News Daily

The familiar tarmac course of Thika, located just adjacent to the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy – Thika, provided the stage for another purposeful morning of measured competition as KATA Time Trial No. 53 unfolded under mostly sunny and warm conditions.

With the sun already asserting itself, the atmosphere demanded discipline from the outset. The warmth added a subtle layer of challenge, particularly over the longer distances, requiring athletes to manage their effort carefully while maintaining rhythm and composure. True to the philosophy of the KATA series, the session prioritized execution over spectacle, offering participants a clear and structured test across both the 5km and 10km distances.

In the women’s 5km, Lucy Njeri delivered a poised and confident display, guiding the field home in 19:38 with a performance built on control and rhythm. From the opening stretch, she established a steady tempo, running with relaxed efficiency despite the rising warmth. Her stride remained fluid through the middle kilometers, and she finished strongly, underscoring both fitness and race awareness.

Behind her, Felister Mbatha clocked 23:44, showing admirable determination as she maintained her effort throughout the sunlit course, while Dolphine Shikailwa completed the distance in 30:35, demonstrating resilience and commitment. Together, the trio brought composure and quiet intensity to the morning session, turning the women’s 5km into a display of patience, strength, and steady progression rather than mere numbers on the clock.

The men’s 5km saw Dennis Musau produce one of the most balanced efforts of the morning, clocking 22:23. Running with composure and steady cadence, Musau managed the early pace effectively before sustaining his rhythm through the latter stages of the course. His performance reflected patience and control—qualities that are central to the KATA time-trial structure. Rather than chasing early speed, he maintained consistency throughout, delivering a performance that highlighted both discipline and growing confidence over the distance.

Attention then shifted to the 10km events, where endurance and race management came into sharper focus. In the women’s category. Susan Njuu delivered one of the standout performances of the day, crossing the line in 34:35. Her run combined endurance and poise, maintaining a consistent tempo from start to finish. Equally notable was Hellen Mutheu whose 34:56 marked a significant personal breakthrough. Her progression was evident in the strength she displayed over the closing kilometers, a performance that signals upward momentum. Caren Chepkemoi followed in 36:08, rounding out a competitive women’s field that handled the heat with admirable resolve.

The men’s 10km produced notable depth and competitive balance. Peter Njeru led the standings in 29:25, establishing a clear marker for the field. Levis Githinji followed closely in 29:51, with Raphael Gacheru completing the top three in 30:13.

Close margins defined the subsequent positions, as James Muriithi (30:32), Julius Maina (30:33), and Bernard Waweru (30:39) maintained strong tempo throughout. They were followed by Bonface Mungai (31:10) and Charles Wanjora (31:22), while Joel Maina (32:26) and Erick Cheruiyot (32:28) delivered steady efforts. The field was completed by Bernard Gicheha (34:15), Paul Nganga (34:16), Vincent Kiprotich (36:22), and Charles Ndirangu (37:47), each performance contributing to a competitive and well-structured session.

KATA Time Trial No. 53 ultimately reaffirmed what these sessions represent. Beyond the stopwatch and finishing order, the morning underscored growth, discipline, and the quiet pursuit of excellence. On the familiar tarmac course of Thika, every stride carried intention, every split demanded focus, and every athlete contributed to a collective standard that continues to rise. As the academy looks ahead to future editions, the message from the 53rd trial is clear — progress here is deliberate, competitive, and steadily advancing toward higher levels of performance.

Race Results

Women’s 5K

1. Lucy Njeri (18) – Bib 77 – 19:38

2. Felister Mbatha (19) – Bib 40 – 23:44

3. Dolphine Shikailwa (22) – Bib 41 – 30:35

Men’s 5K

1. Dennis Musau (50) – Bib 59 – 22:23

Women’s 10K

1. Susan Njuu (40) – Bib 62 – 34:35

2. Hellen Mutheu (29) – Bib 100 – 34:56

3. Caren Chepkemoi (24) – Bib 05 – 36:08

Men’s 10K

1. Peter Njeru (28) – Bib 82 – 29:25

2. Levis Githinji (25) – Bib 43 – 29:51

3. Raphael Gacheru (27) – Bib 08 – 30:13

4. James Muriithi (32) – Bib 07 – 30:32

5. Julius Maina (33) – Bib 70 – 30:33

6. Bernard Waweru (40) – Bib 85 – 30:39

7. Bonface Mungai (30) – Bib 02 – 31:10

8. Charles Wanjora (24) – Bib 24 – 31:22

9. Joel Maina (41) – Bib 79 – 32:26

10. Erick Cheruiyot (30) – Bib 84 – 32:28

11. Bernard Gicheha (39) – Bib 99 – 34:15

12. Paul Ng’ang’a (43) – Bib 30 – 34:16

13. Vincent Kiprotich (24) – Bib 83 – 36:22

14. Charles Ndirangu (65) – Bib 76 – 37:47