February 21, 2026: 2024 Africa and national 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka stamped her authority at the Betika BingwaFest Coast edition with a commanding long-distance double, winning both the 10,000m and 5,000m titles in dominant fashion.
The 29-year-old first secured victory in the women’s 10,000m, clocking 33:39.5 in a tactical race, with a strong kick in the final stretch to finish ahead of Brenda Jepchumba Kenei (33:34.0) and Kadogo Jematian (33:44.16).
She later returned to the track to claim the women’s 5,000m crown in 16:07.2, narrowly edging Celestine Biwott by just 0.4 seconds in one of the closest finishes of the day, with Kadogo Jematian (16:10.5) sealing the podium.
Speaking after her triumph, Kwamboka said: “I have been working so that I could come and take part, but I did not get the chance before in the season because I have been engaged at work. I was not expecting to win today because I am just getting in shape for the season, and I think I did well for myself.”
Kwamboka took home KES 550,000 for triumphing in the two races, KES 300,000 for winning the 10,000m, and KES 250,000 for winning the 5,000m.
Stephen Muthini clocked 29:14.7 to win the men’s 10,000 race, edging Edica Kipkorir (29:28.4) and Joseph Ndirangu (29:30.1) who were second and third, respectively.
In the 5000m, Abel Kirui edged a thrilling contest to win in 13:14.0, narrowly ahead of Victor Kimutai, who clocked 13:14.8. Weldon Langat rounded out the podium in 13:45.0.
In the women’s 1500m, Naomi Korir produced a composed run to take victory in 4:24.9 with Celestine Biwott (4:26.5) finishing second as Christine Komen (4:27.9) came home third. Kyumbe Munguti won the men’s race in 3:46.8. Wilson Larry Merin and Constantine Cheruiyot followed in 3:48.3 and 3:48.4, respectively.
Tanzania’s Winfrida Makenji powered to victory in the women’s 100m in 12.3 seconds, holding off a competitive field to beat Maximilla Imali (12.4) and Moureen Wafula (12.5), who were second and third, respectively.
The four-time Tanzania national champion over 100m welcomed the challenge of lining up against unfamiliar opposition in a new environment.
“This is a very good platform for me,” she said after her win. “When you compete outside your country and against athletes you don’t normally face, you can test your level truly. The conditions are different, the crowd is different, and the competition is different. It pushes you mentally and physically. For me, this was about gauging where I am, identifying areas I can improve, and challenging myself beyond my comfort zone.”
Focus now shifts to the national finals where the top athletes from respective regions will line up against each other.