Hannah Wanjiru (16) is the winner of 5000M women’s race at the two-day Safaricom National Deaf Track & Field Championships Trials held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Wanjiiru led at 19:37.7 followed by Juster Kwamesa at 20:13.4 and Laureen Ngonga coming in third at 20:40.4 on the first day of the trials.
In the 5000M men’s category, Martin Gachie was the winner at 14:49.0 followed by Omari Kokobi at 14:49.0 and Peter Toroitich in third place at 15:03.2.
“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to represent Kenya. It’s my first time ever and I’m glad Safaricom supported the deaf community to prepare for the African Championships in September. We promise to make Kenya proud,” said Martin Gachie.
The two day trials will climax tomorrow with Deaf Athletics Association of Kenya (DAAK) selecting teams that will represent the country at the first Africa Deaf Athletics Championships that will be hosted in Kenya from 16th to 22nd September 2019.
Currently, Kenya holds Deaflympic titles in the 1,500m and 3,000m races.
Safaricom has sponsored the trials to the tune of Ksh. 2.5 million. It was held under the 2019 edition of Safaricom Athletics Series, which will support 12 different events in this year’s athletics calendar.
Other winners during today’s trials are:
800M Women race
- Hannah Wakonyo- 2:29.6
- Damaris Wangari- 2:36.4
- Roselida Neita- 2:38.5
800M HT1
- John Koech- 1:58.9
- Denis Kiprop- 1:59.4
800M Men HT2
- Jacob Kibet- 2:01.4
- Francis Randi- 2:02.3