Ekwam, Manang’oi light up KDF Championships

Ekwam sprinted to a remarkable 20.35 seconds to win the 200m final ahead of Samuel Chege who followed in 20.68 seconds while Boniface Mweresa completed the podium in 20.97 seconds.

Ekwam, former national 400m champion, alongside Boniface Mweresa, Brian Tinega and Kelvin Kipkorir —qualified to this year’s World Championships in 4x400m event after a historic performance at the World Athletics Relay Championships held in Guangzhou, China last month.

The 400m sensation said he dropped from his speciality to 200m to focus on maximizing his speed and acceleration ahead of the September global fiesta.

“I’m part of the team that has already qualified for the world championships although I have not qualified individually. So, I’m aiming to get a slot during the trials. For the national championships expect team KDF to dominate,” he said in a post-race interview.

In the men’s 5,000m race, former world U20 champion George Manangoi romped to victory in a personal best time of 13 minutes 53.17 seconds.

The former World U18 Championships 1500m champion has his eyes firmly set on making it to Team Kenya for this year’s World Championships.

“I need now to intensify my training especially my speed ahead of the 5000m qualifiers for the world championships and also perform better in the national athletics championships.”

In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, 2023 African Games bronze medallist Simon Koech crossed the finish in a dominant 8 minutes 35.91 seconds, adding another triumph to his growing collection of accolades.

The event was graced by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who called upon the athletes to pursue excellence in their disciplines while avoiding irregularities, particularly doping.

“We must be disciplined and maintain integrity in all we do. Sports is a tool to unite and promote peace, fairness, and hard work amongst us all.”

The event saw Ekwam and 2022 Commonwealth games 4*400 m relay medallist Wiseman Were crowned as the best performing athletes in the male category with 200m sensation Mercy Oketch in the women’s category.

Team Isiolo topped the overall medal standings with 12 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze. Nanyuki came in second with 20 medals while Laikipia Air Base finished third with 16 medals.