Canada-based Mkungo best at Coast region x-country
Panuel Mkungo of Taita Taveta raises his hands in victory in the closing stages of the senior men’s 10km race of the Coast Region Cross Country Championships at Dawson Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi on February 3, 2018. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA |
What you need to know:
- The Canada-based Mkungo said competing in National cross country races in Nairobi next week was also part of his training programme.
Victorious Panuel Mkungo on Saturday disclosed he had returned home to compete in Taita Taveta County and Coast Region Cross Country championship to get ready for a half marathon race in Canada on March 25.
Speaking after winning the regional event in 34 minutes and 14 seconds at Dawnson Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi, the Canada-based Mkungo said competing in National cross country races in Nairobi next week was also part of his training programme.
“I’m happy to return home and compete in cross country races,” said the 23-year-old Mkungo, who captained the Taita Taveta county team in the regional championship.
Mkungo, who won last year’s Philadelphia Half Marathon, praised the Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja for taking athletics seriously saying in a week’s training camp, he found plenty of talented athletes. “I’m sure if our athletes are cared for well, they will become top runners,” he said.
Mkungo was followed in second place by up-coming 24-year-old Lameck Mwakio, also of Taita Taveta, who finished in 34.18, with Samuel Msafari who once took part in a marathon race in South Africa, third in 35.28.
The fourth place went to Mombasa’s Stephen Maloki who timed 36.56, with Taita Taveta athletes Joakim Mwashigadi and Charles Mshambala claiming fifth and sixth places in 31.43 and 37.57 respectively.
In women’s 10km, Taita Taveta runners too the top six places, led by the 2016 winner Dorcas Mwadime who returned 38.31 followed by Teresiah Paul (39.13) with Mary Mwangima third in 39.30.
Fourth, fifth and sixth positions went to Marselina Shakle, Damaris Wanjalla and Eunice Koronge in 42.23, 44.08 and 45.52 respectively.
