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Iten International Marathon 10km winner Christine Nalimo Njoki has shifted her focus to the Madrid 10km scheduled for December 31 after triumphing in the inaugural 10kmm Techrun race held on Sunday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Aiming for victory in Spain, Njoki clinched the women’s title in 32:35.3, ahead of Maurine Toroitich, who clocked 32:53.3 to finish second and reigning Lille 10km winner Christine Chesiro, who completed the podium in 33:02.2.  

Fresh off her win at the Iten International 10kmm, Njoki revealed that the Eldoret race was part of her preparation for the Madrid 10km in four weeks.  

“I am happy I won, especially winning two races in a row. That shows my training is going well. I wasn’t expecting to win today, but I thank God for the victory,” Njoki expressed.

She added that she is focused on competing in Spain at the end of the year and is optimistic about securing another win.

Toroitich, the second-place finisher, attributed her performance to training and hard work but noted she plans to improve on slopes and hills.

Meanwhile, Chesiro acknowledged the race’s challenges and expressed her determination to perform better next season.  

In the men’s category, John Lomon dominated the field, securing the title with a time of 29:19.9.

Fresh from his win at the Iten International Marathon 10km last week, Lomon maintained his winning streak, finishing ahead of Bernard Langat, who clocked 29:34.4 for second place, and Cornelius Kemboi, who timed 29:47.9 to claim third.

Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Mercy Cherono finished seventh in her first race after a sabbatical, which she described as a good comeback and a source of inspiration for upcoming athletes.  

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion Beatrice Chebet, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto, Principal Secretary for ICT John Tanui, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii alongside Athletics Kenya (AK) Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai, among other officials.