Habari za Wiki - 27 April, 2021

The Running News

A Fake Doping Conspiracy

According to Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) - Kenya there has been an ongoing international syndicate to tarnish Kenya’s image by developing false doping allegations against Kenyan athletes.

The DCI named Elias Kiptum, who was Wilson Kipsang’s friend - as the forgery suspect believed to be working with an international conspiracy ring which includes foreign journalists to fabricate information. His home in Iten was raided and several forged documents were found. The perpetrators had prepared documents purporting that doping was being promoted and encouraged by several state agencies in the country, with the aim of having Kenya suspended from participating in the forthcoming Olympics in Japan.

This is still an unfolding story, with potential to cause diplomatic tensions if the evidence bears out that parties in other countries were conspiring to frame Kenyan athletes. We’ll keep you up to date as we learn more.

World Athletics Relays Weekend

This is going to be an exciting weekend because it is the World Athletics Relays weekend. Relays are action packed, pacey, technical and offer lots of drama from missed baton exchanges, superb finishes and more. Kenya is sending a good team to Poland with 800m specialists Wycliffe Kinyamal and Ferguson Rotich featuring the 2x2x400 event. Kenya is assured of a medal here. The 4x400m will be led by US based Emmanuel Korir who finished an impressive fourth at the USATF Grand Prix with a 45.79 performance. Team Kenya will depart later tonight for Silesia, Poland.

Sadly sprinting powerhouses Jamaica and USA won’t be sending teams, but it should still be a thrilling show. We will share broadcast details on Twitter. 

Mark Otieno On Verge of Olympics

Mark Otieno

Mark Otieno is a Kenyan sprinter who competes in 100m and 200m. He is the former 100m national champion. This weekend, Mark will be among the Kenyan athletes lining up at the World Athletics Relays, competing in 4x200. Mark’s current time in 100m is 10.17secs while Olympic qualifying standard is 10.05. While he is striving to get a good result in the relays, the sprinter’s ultimate dream is qualifying for his first ever Olympic Games. 

We talked to him about his journey as a sprinter. 

Pacesetters Win In France

Boniface Kibiwott and Hillary Kipkoech won the 5km and 10km events at the Be(at) Your Personal Best event at Le Bois aux Daims, France.

In the 5km, Boniface Kibiwott and Mathew Kibet Kibarus were pacing for Switzerland’s Julien Wanders, the European 10km and half marathon record-holder. However, Julian drifted back after the halfway mark leaving Boniface Kibiwott in the lead. Kibiwott powered away to win in 13:24.

Just like in the 5km, in the 10km, a pacemaker upset the odds to win it. Kenya’s Hillary Kipkoech clocked 27:35, a world lead. Kipkoech was pacing for Norway’s Sondre Moen who faded in the second half while Kipkoech powered on.

Saruni is Back

Michael Saruni is back! The USA based Kenyan 800m specialist competed in his first race of the season at this past weekend's USATF Grand Prix at the beautiful Hayward Field, Eugene in Oregon. 

Sitting in third place in the last 400m, Saruni moved to the outer lane and with about 50m remaining, he unleashed a powerful kick to clock 1:46.64 and beat Isaiah Harris. Harris beat Saruni in 2018 for the NCAA title. Now this was sweet revenge for Saruni. 

From The Enda Community

Is there greater joy than seeing new shoes on feet? We don’t know. So thanks to Mr. Tobin for sharing that joy as he celebrated getting his new Lapatets on twitter:

“First weekend with my @EndaSportswear shoes.  They are the lightest everyday running shoes I’ve ever used.  Kenyan-led, woman-led and climate neutral company.”

 

 

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