Ruth Mwihaki has joined a number of growing list of athletes, both Kenyan and the international class, running and winning in various races barefoot.
On Saturday, Mwihaki launched her racing career, running barefoot to win the Athletics Kenya Nairobi Region under 20 championships ahead of World Under 20 championships in Cali, Colombia.
The Kiambogo secondary school form two student won the 5,000m race that were held on Saturday (18) at Nairobi West Prisons Grounds.
Coming from Nakuru County she joins the growing list of top athletes who have won at the international level running without shoes. Olympic Games marathon gold medalist Abede Bikila, Zola Buddi, Herb Elliot, Bruch Tullow among others.
Locally, Faith Kioyegon and other runners have attained similar feet and she ran to victory in a time of 16:59.13 ahead Cynthia Chepkirui who crossed the line in a time of 17:17.07 to claim the second spot.
Mwihaki was happy for her coach who brought her to Nairobi to participate in the race.
“I had to convince my coach to bring us and I’m glad it paid off, the weather was favorable to me, which is a good thing because the trials will be held here. Now I will go back to Longonot and continue my training,” said Mwihaki.
Reginah Naiserian closed the podium three finished in a time of 17:40.3
LEADING RESULTS
5000M WOMEN
- Ruth Mwihaki 16:59.13
- Cynthia Chepkurui 17:17.07
- Reginah Naiserian 17:40.3
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