Rising distance prospect Emmanuel Lemiso was a class above the rest as he dominated the 3000m at the Nairobi region track and field championships on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Nairobi West Prison grounds.
Lemiso underlined his growing credentials in the men’s 3,000m, storming to victory in 8:21.6 ahead of Peter Rono (8:23.3) and Vincent Abei (8:44.3), who completed the podium.
“The race was a good tune-up for the World U20 Championships, and I enjoyed it,” he said.
His attention now turns to next week’s National Championships, where he hopes to build on his impressive form.
“The focus now is to sharpen my form in training for the nationals. I am going for victory,” he said.
Lemiso also doubled up in the 1,500m, where he finished third in 3:56.0. Johnson Tengesi claimed top honours in 3:49.8, ahead of Solomon Kiprop, who clocked 3:50.3.
In the women’s 1,500m, Anastasha Cheptoo produced an impressive run to win in 4:24.3, ahead of Abigael Cheptoo (4:37.7) and Beth Kerubo (4:43.8).
“I am happy with the results. It was a very competitive race. I came to see which areas I need to sharpen before the World U20. I need to improve my speed from now,” she said.
Meanwhile, Abigael admitted that the race exposed areas she needs to improve. “The race was very challenging. I lacked the endurance to keep up with number one,” she said.
How Faith Cherotich performed at the Nairobi region track and field championships
In the women’s 5,000m, Faith Cherotich showcased her strength and tactical awareness, timing 15:53.1 to edge out Enit Yeko, who crossed the line in 15:53.6. Tabitha Wanjiru completed the podium in 16:16.1.
Cherotich revealed that the race formed part of her preparations for the World U20 Championships set for August in Eugene, Oregon.
“The race was good. I was just using it as part of my build-up for the World U20,” she said, adding that careful race execution played a key role in her victory.
“I timed my race well, reacted well and was able to win.”
With the national showdown looming, Cherotich will be chasing double success as she lines up in both the 3,000m steeplechase and the 5,000m.
“At the national championships, I will run the 3,000m steeplechase and the 5,000m. Running at the nationals will give me good motivation as I prepare for the World U20 in Oregon,” she said.
Meanwhile, Yeko was pleased with her runner-up finish after returning from the Nairobi City Marathon 10km race last weekend.
“I am happy with the second-place finish, especially coming from the Nairobi City Marathon where I ran the 10K.”
At the Nairobi City Marathon, Yeko clocked 31:38 to finish second behind Phane Jairus, who won in 31:27.
“I had some fatigue, but I heard there were the Nairobi Championships, so I decided to participate and fight for a slot.”
Kiambogo Senior School Grade 10 student shines at Nairobi region championships
Third-placed Wanjiru, who is only 15 years old and a Grade 10 student at Kiambogo Senior School, was delighted with her performance against a more experienced field.
“The race was very competitive because I am still a junior, and I was running against seniors.”
At the Nationals, she will be aiming for a top-three finish. “My focus is to finish in the top three at the nationals,” she said.
In the men’s 5,000m, Paul Kimani stamped his authority to finish in 14:27.5 with Benjamin Kiprop (14:59.2) and Kenneth Maiyo (14:57.5) following in second and third place. The women’s 100m final saw Mercy Julius claim victory in 12.4 as Faustin Kirui (12.9) and Veronica Chebet (13.9) completing the podium.
The women’s 400m final saw Dinah Anyango (58.2), Mercy Julius (60.6) and Nemayian Simon (61.2) claim the podium places.
