Running News Daily

Kenya’s Diana Wanza produced a commanding display of endurance and tactical brilliance to storm to victory in the women’s 10,000m final at the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.

From the early stages of the grueling 25-lap contest, Wanza looked composed and in complete control as she gradually asserted herself against a stacked continental field. The Kenyan distance star timed her move to perfection before surging clear in the decisive moments to clinch the African title in an impressive 31:33.26.

The victory further underlined Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running on the African stage, with Wanza delivering one of the standout performances of the championships.

Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru also produced a career-defining run, battling bravely throughout the race to secure a historic silver medal in 31:43.73. Ethiopia’s Asefu Abrha Kiros completed the podium after a determined late effort earned her bronze in 31:45.91.

The final developed into a high-quality tactical contest, with several of Africa’s finest distance runners pushing the pace as the intensity increased lap after lap. Uganda’s Esther Chebet finished fourth in 32:23.44, narrowly ahead of Ethiopia’s Simret Berhe Asefa, who crossed the line fifth.

Kenya also placed two more athletes inside the top ten, with Chepgeno Merc Mageso taking ninth in 32:56.89 and Chepkemoi Mercy finishing tenth in 33:26.57.

The women’s 10,000m final once again showcased the extraordinary depth of African distance running, but on this occasion, it was Diana Wanza who rose above the rest with a performance full of authority, patience, and championship composure to bring gold back to Kenya.

Women’s 10,000m Final Results – African Senior Athletics Championships

1. Diana Wanza (Kenya) – 31:33.26

2. Florence Niyonkuru (Rwanda) – 31:43.73

3. Asefu Abrha Kiros (Ethiopia) – 31:45.91

4. Esther Chebet (Uganda) – 32:23.44

5. Simret Berhe Asefa (Ethiopia) – 32:38.97

6. Samia Hassan Nour (Djibouti) – 32:50.90

7. Rebecca Chelangat (Uganda) – 32:55.59

8. Rahel Daniel (Eritrea) – 32:56.39

9. Chepgeno Merc Mageso (Kenya) – 32:56.89

10. Chepkemoi Mercy (Kenya) – 33:26.57

11. Karabo Mailula (South Africa) – 33:47.38

12. Diana Shishay (Eritrea) – 34:16.97

13. Stella Mami Cele Lokhiri (South Sudan) – 34:39.00