Running News Daily

The October 15 time trials at KATA Sprinters Kiambu Camp No.16 delivered another strong performance from the athletes, confirming steady progress under the leadership of Coach Julius Migwi. The camp, supported by KATA Founder and Director Bob Anderson and Catherine Anderson, continues to strengthen Kenya’s growing sprint culture.

 

Favorable weather and excellent organization helped all participants perform well across the 60-meter and 400-meter events. Among the men, Moses Solonka (age 20) led the 60-meter sprint with a fast 13.0 seconds, followed by Antony Owino in 13.2 seconds. Peterson Matu (age 20) clocked 13.7, while Ezekiel Ngarui finished in 13.8 and Erick Wudi in 13.9.

 

In the women’s 60-meter event, Sheila Makhungu (age 23) posted a strong 14.3, and Emma Wavinya (age 23) followed closely with 14.8, both showing smooth acceleration and technical improvement.

 

The 400-meter race featured exceptional efforts as Peris Chege (age 36) dominated with 54.2 seconds, setting the mark for others to chase. Edwin Mutuma (age 25) ran 54.8, Joseph Kamau (age 25) finished in 55.9, and Gedion Otieno (age 21) clocked 63.2.

 

In the women’s 400-meter division, Doreen Waka (age 30) ran 69.0, Ruth Mumbe (age 29) 65.8, and the young Rosemary Mueni (age 18) posted 71.0. Gladys Ngure (age 29) did not start her heat.

 

Official Results – KATA Sprinters Kiambu Camp No.16 (October 15, 2025)

 

60m Men

1. Moses Solonka – 13.0 (Age 20, Bib No. 1)

2. Antony Owino – 13.2 (Age 30, Bib No. 2)

3. Peterson Matu – 13.7 (Age 20, Bib No. 4)

4. Ezekiel Ngarui – 13.8 (Age 21, Bib No. 5)

5. Erick Wudi – 13.9 (Age 22, Bib No. 6)

 

60m Women

1. Sheila Makhungu – 14.3 (Age 23, Bib No. 7)

2. Emma Wavinya – 14.8 (Age 23, Bib No. 8)

 

400m Mixed

1. Peris Chege – 54.2 (Age 36, Bib No. 9)

2. Edwin Mutuma – 54.8 (Age 25, Bib No. 10)

3. Joseph Kamau – 55.9 (Age 25, Bib No. 11)

4. Gedion Otieno – 63.2 (Age 21, Bib No. 13)

5. Ruth Mumbe – 65.8 (Age 29, Bib No. 15)

6. Doreen Waka – 69.0 (Age 30, Bib No. 14)

7. Rosemary Mueni – 71.0 (Age 18, Bib No. 16)

8. Gladys Ngure – DNS (Age 29, Bib No. 17)

 

Coach Julius Migwi praised the team’s continued improvement, saying, “Every athlete showed growth and focus today. Our goal remains the same — to become the best sprint camp in Kenya and to inspire the next generation of sprinters.”

 

He also thanked Bob and Catherine Anderson for their constant encouragement and support in both the training and community programs connected with the KATA movement.

 

KATA Sprinters Kiambu Camp No.16 continues to prove that with dedication, teamwork, and vision, Kenya’s future in sprinting is bright.

KIAMBU, Kenya - On a crisp morning in Kamiti, Kiambu County, 16 miles northeast of Nairobi, the dirt track at Kamiti Maximum Prison comes alive with the rhythm of pounding feet, shrill whistles, and sharp instructions. At the center of the action stands Coach Julius Migwi, eyes locked on the group of young sprinters wearing red shirts with the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) Sprint Camp logo. Stopwatch in hand, Migwi scans every drill and explosive burst over 100 meters.

A Coach’s Mission

A former sprinter whose career was cut short by a tendon injury in 1998, Migwi recalls the lack of resources in his day. “We had no smart shoes, and sometimes we ran barefoot. There was no science,” he says. His personal best of 11.00 seconds in the 100m left him hungry for more—but instead of walking away, he turned that hunger into a mission: raising sprinters who could go beyond what he achieved.

“This is where we train,” Migwi says, pointing to the uneven murram track. “I focus on athletes between 16 and 20 years old because they have the greatest room to grow. My dream is for them to achieve what I could not.”

That dream has faced hurdles of its own. Their makeshift equipment includes hurdles fashioned from plastic pipes, an old tractor tire for sled work, and just one shared starting block. Inside the camp’s small kit box lie two massage guns, shared by everyone. When rain turns the dirt track unusable, the group must travel to Nyayo Stadium, Ulinzi, or Kasarani.

Yet, passion outweighs the obstacles. “If Kenya supported sprinters the way it supports distance runners, athletes like Doreen Waka, Clinton Aluvi, Omanyala, and so many youngsters would thrive,” Migwi says. “With proper facilities, Kiambu could become the home of Kenyan sprinting.”

Building Athletes from Scratch

Migwi has already unearthed promising talent. Among those he scouted are Fresha Mwangi, Peris Wairimu Chege, hurdler Gladys Ngure, and his current star pupil, Doreen Waka—Kenya’s fastest female sprinter over 100m in 2025.

Waka’s determination is unwavering. “Missing the team for the World Championships in Tokyo was disappointing, but I keep my eyes on the Commonwealth Games,” she says. “With the right support, I know I can break 11 seconds.”

Behind the scenes, KATA founder Bob Anderson has played a critical role. Known globally as the American running visionary behind My Best Runs, Anderson covers the camp’s rent, helps provide meals, and funds side projects like potato farming to ensure sustainability. “Rent and daily meals are the biggest setbacks for sprinters,” Migwi explains. “Bob’s support allows the athletes to focus fully on training.”

The impact is clear. Moses Solonka, 20, from the pastoral Maasai community of Kajiado, says: “Without this camp, I’d probably be herding livestock, especially during droughts. Here, we don’t have to worry about food—we can concentrate on training. I see myself representing Kenya soon.”

Voices of the Next Generation

The camp is filled with similar stories of transformation.

• Peterson Matu Miano, 20, once devoted to soccer, now says, “With KATA’s system, I’ve improved so much. The discipline and coordination here are amazing. I now want to dedicate myself fully to sprinting.”

• John Kinoo Munguti, 19, discovered his sprinting talent in high school after playing rugby and soccer. “I look up to Zablon Ekwam. My goal is to hit 10.30 in the 100m and make Team Kenya.”

Migwi beams with pride recalling Waka’s appearance at the Kip Keino Classic: “Seeing her on the line with international stars showed me this stage is possible for our athletes.”

A Community Effort

Among the sprinters is Antony Owino, who also serves as an assistant coach. Having endured similar struggles, Owino knows the value of mentorship. “It’s not just about speed. These youngsters need guidance in discipline and mindset,” he says. “We’re shaping athletes both on and off the track.”

The Bigger Picture

Migwi believes Kenya’s sprinting potential has long been overlooked. “We’re celebrated for distance running, but sprinting has the same promise,” he insists. The unfinished Kirigiti Stadium nearby is a constant reminder of what’s lacking. “If county governments completed facilities like this, we’d not only produce champions but also engage more youth positively.”

For now, the KATA Sprint Camp relies on resourcefulness and shared dreams—plastic hurdles, a dusty track, and two massage guns. But Migwi’s vision stretches beyond medals.

“I want to push these youngsters to achieve what I couldn’t,” he says, watching Peterson, John, Moses, and Doreen laugh between sprints. “This is more than training. It’s giving them a future.”

Camp ID: 16. Location: Kiambu, Kenya | Coach: Julius Gacheru Migwi. Date: August 13, 2025

The Kiambu KATA Running Camp 16, one of Kenya’s premier sprint training bases, hosted a cold-weather time trial that delivered a strong build-up for its athletes. Despite the chilly conditions, all races finished on time and the atmosphere was boosted by a visit from Frida, who praised the sprinters’ form—especially camp star Doreen Waka.

Under the leadership of Coach Julius Migwi, the camp continues to produce elite-level sprinters while also embracing the KATA Potato Farms initiative. The Kiambu potato farm has already planted two acres, providing an additional income stream to support the athletes.

Results

Men’s 600m

Moses Solonka (Age 20, Bib 003) – 1:24

Antony Owino (Age 33, Bib 001) – 1:36

Women’s 600m

Emma Wavinya (Age 23, Bib 007) – 1:42

Sheila Mayenze (Age 23, Bib 011) – 1:47

Peris Chege (Age 36, Bib 005) – 1:53

Men’s 400m

Edwin Mutuma (Age 25, Bib 008) – 56.9

Joseph Kamau (Age 24, Bib 002) – 58.1

Chris Mutahi (Age 26, Bib 006) – 58.3

Women’s 400m

Doreen Waka (Age 30, Bib 010) – 67.4

Jesinta Kibathi (Age 22, Bib 004) – 67.7

Ruth Mumbe (Age 29, Bib 009) – 69.1

Quote from the Camp:

“We are grateful to Bob Anderson for sponsoring the camp. More than that, Bob has helped us start potato farming, which is doing very well. Long live the KATA Family, and may God bless Bob and Catherine.”

 

At the 2025 Athletics Kenya Trials held at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, Doreen Waka blasted out of the blocks and powered through a stiff -2.0 m/s headwind, crossing the finish line in 12.02 seconds to win the women’s 100m final. The performance not only secured her a gold medal but also earned her a coveted spot on Team Kenya for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

She defeated a talented field, including Loice Nyanchoka Morara (12.09), South Sudan’s Lucia William Moris (12.10), and Delisha Atyang (12.14), while veterans like Monica Safania and Eunice Kadogo did not start. But for Waka, the win was about more than medals. It marked a defining moment in a career built on resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her sprinting potential.

Running Barefoot, Dreaming Without Limits

When Doreen takes to the track, what you see is explosive speed. What you don’t see are the barefoot years spent training on gravel roads, the financial struggles, or the countless setbacks that nearly derailed her dream.

Born on November 13, 1994, in Kiambu County, Doreen discovered her athletic talent in primary school. She ran the 400m in Standard Four but didn’t qualify for competition—she was too young. A perceptive teacher, however, encouraged her to shift focus to the 100m and 200m, a piece of advice that changed her life.

By Class Five, she had qualified for the national primary school championships in Nyahururu, placing 4th in the 100m and 3rd in the 200m. A year later, she won silver in the 100m at an East African schools meet in Kampala, Uganda.

Despite early success, life at home was difficult. Her family lacked the resources to support her athletics career. After finishing Class Eight, a well-wisher helped her join Brokhurst Senior School in Machakos County, where she again reached the national stage in Form Three. But in Form Four, she was barred from sports in order to focus on final exams—just when she needed exposure the most.

A Coach, a Believer, a Lifeline

In 2017, everything changed. Doreen met sprinter Kalewi Awange, who introduced her to Coach Julius Migwi (often called Coach Julious). At the time, she was living in Githurai, Nairobi, with her mother.

“When I told my mom I wanted to train, she hesitated,” Doreen recalls. “Coach Migwi had to come home and explain everything. Eventually, she gave me her blessing: ‘You’re the one who will help me.’”

Coach Julious remembers their first meeting clearly.

“She had no shoes. No passport. No real support. We took her in like family,” he says. “I’ve been acting as her parent ever since.”

Since then, Coach Julious has supported her with food, rent, transport, and training costs—often from his own pocket. Despite the challenges, Doreen has never wavered. Most days, she trains without proper spikes or access to a gym, using rough murram fields instead of tracks.

“If she had the facilities athletes in Botswana or South Africa have,” Julius says, “she’d already be running 10.9.”

A Boost from KATA—and a Call to Bob Anderson

Though resources remain limited, Doreen has received small but meaningful support from the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA), founded by Bob Anderson, the American entrepreneur and lifelong runner who created Runner’s World magazine.

“KATA has helped in important ways,” says Julius. “Bob understands athlete development. Now we’re appealing to him directly: please consider supporting Doreen with gear, gym access, and small financial support so she can focus fully on her training.”

Doreen echoes the plea:

“I’m not looking for a shortcut. Just a chance. Bob, give me one international race, one opportunity—and I will make you and Kenya proud.”

Denied, But Never Defeated

Doreen’s path has been lined with near-misses and painful exclusions. In 2019, she qualified for the World Relays during trials in Iten—but couldn’t travel. She didn’t have a passport.

Later that year, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she trained inside the grounds of Kamiti Prison, staying with a friend near the facility. Her perseverance finally paid off in 2021, when she represented Kenya in the 4x200m relay at the World Relays in Poland. She returned home and won the national 100m title.

Yet again in 2023, after qualifying for the African Championships in Ghana, she was left off the final team list.

“It didn’t kill my spirit,” she says. “This year I qualified again. But they didn’t take a women’s 4x100m team.”

A Voice for the Overlooked

Now 29, Doreen Waka is more than just a sprinter—she’s a voice for the many under-supported female sprinters across Kenya.

“Athletics Kenya should not conclude that Kenyan women can’t sprint. We just need the opportunity.”

Coach Julious adds:

“She’s already inspiring others. Hurdler Gladys Ngure, who ran 14.05 at nationals, joined our camp because of Doreen. These girls are training in KSh 50 gyms. Imagine what they could do with real support.”

A Camp Like No Other

In a bold move, Coach Julius recently established a KATA Running Camp and KATA Potato Farm, part of a larger initiative spearheaded by Bob Anderson, who has now launched 25 KATA camps across Kenya since May 25.

“I think my camp is the only running camp that exclusively trains sprinters in all of Kenya,” says Julius.  "Thanks, Bob, for listening and helping Doreen go after her goals.”

This unique camp not only nurtures sprinters like Doreen but also provides food and economic support through potato farming, helping athletes stay focused on training while building a more stable future.

The Goal: Sub-11 and a Global Stage

Doreen Waka’s goal is clear: run 10.8 or 10.9 and place Kenyan women’s sprinting on the global map. With the right shoes, coaching, nutrition, and gym access, she believes it’s within reach.

“I believe in myself. I just need one solid chance.”

And with people like Coach Julius KATA, and Bob Anderson behind her, that chance may finally be coming.

Doreen Waka At a Glance

• Born: November 13, 1994 – Kiambu County, Kenya

• 2024 Trials: 1st in 100m (12.02s, -2.0 m/s headwind)

• International Debut: 2021 World Relays, Poland (4x200m)

• Coach: Julius Migwi 

• Goal: Sub-11 in 100m and a global podium finish

• Camp: KATA Running Camp for Sprinters – the only sprint-exclusive KATA camp in Kenya

The KATA sprinters team is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Kenyan athletics scene. Operating under the broader KATA (Kenyan Athletics Training Academy) family, this dynamic group of athletes is trained and led by Coach Julius Migwi, whose focus on speed and power has begun to deliver impressive results.

“We started training our sprints team in 2023,” says Coach Migwi. “At KATA, we operate as one family.  Our sprint team trains with precision and discipline, and this year we’ve already achieved a lot.”

Standout Performances in 2025

Among the team’s top achievements:

• Doreen Waka placed 2nd at the prestigious Betika Grand Finale earlier this season and earned an invitation to compete at the Kip Keino Classic, scheduled for May 31.

• Peris Chege represented Kenya at a relay event in Ethiopia, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

• Gladys Ngure claimed 2nd place in the 100m hurdles, further demonstrating the growing strength of KATA’s women sprinters.

In addition, several emerging sprinters are progressing rapidly, signaling the depth of talent within the academy.

A Vision Beyond Distance Running

“I’m extremely proud of what our KATA sprint team is accomplishing,” says KATA director Bob Anderson. “When I first came up with the idea of launching a KATA training camp back in 2014, I imagined it would be focused solely on distance runners—training the Kenyan way. But after we officially began with distance runners in 2019, I quickly realized there was a need to support athletes across all events, from the 100 meters to ultramarathons. That vision has become a reality. We now have a growing sprint program in Kenya and a second KATA location in Portugal, with more ideas taking shape. KATA is making its mark on the global athletics stage.”

Looking Ahead

Coach Migwi and the team remain focused on the future. One of their current challenges is training on a murram (dirt) track. He hopes to eventually transition to a tartan surface, which would enhance both performance and injury prevention.

“Our goal is to be record breakers and to produce the best out of the best,” says Julius. “We are committed to building a world-class program.”

He offers a guiding principle that drives his athletes: “Never give up, press on.”

“Long live the KATA family under Bob Anderson leadership,” he adds. “Together, we are building something special.”

As the sprint team continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful symbol of KATA’s broader mission: to develop world-class athletes across all disciplines—distance, middle distance, and now, sprint events.