A classy Kenneth Mburu Mungara rounded off his final competition in the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a magical run from gun to tape in the men’s 8km cross-country race, claiming Kenya’s seventh gold medal and his second in the competition.
Mungara, who was the only Kenyan in the four-lap race at City Parks, clocked 25:39 to secure his second gold medal in spectacular fashion. The World Masters Athletics Championships will conclude on Sunday.
Victor Ramon Martinez of Spain finished second to claim the silver medal, while Laust Bengtsen of Denmark settled for bronze.
The Limuru-based long-distance runner also won another gold medal for Kenya on Sunday in the men’s 10km Road Race, adding to his 5000m silver medal.
“The race was not easy because the course was muddy and heavy. The hills were very sharp as well, but overall I am grateful for this victory. My training back home really helped me manage the race. I would like to thank our federation, Athletics Kenya, and Athletics Kenya Masters for sending us here to fly our flag high,” an elated Mungara remarked.
Team Kenya captain Eric Sikuku also delivered a strong performance in the men’s 5km race walk at Bjorlanda Stadium, securing his second gold medal in the championships, which began on August 13.
Regina Malai Mulatia of Kenya was rewarded for her efforts with a bronze medal in the women’s long jump.
Meanwhile, Team Kenya’s assistant captain Elizabeth Muthoka was in top shape to secure a final berth in the women’s 400m at Bjorlanda Stadium.
The 50-year-old Muthoka registered the fourth-best time of 1:02.03. The Kenya Prisons officer will be in action today in the final, with all eyes on the gold medal.
“I am happy to have qualified for the next stage, which is the final, and I hope to do well until the end. The ultimate target is to get a medal,” Muthoka noted.
Kenya has now amassed 21 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and five bronzes.
The 25th edition of the World Masters Athletics Championships is scheduled to end on Sunday with a closing ceremony at the Slottsskogsvallen Stadium.
