Teen Paul Kibet wins Cycle with the Rhino race
Lake Nakuru’s white rhino ambassador popular comedian Herman Kago aka Professor Hamo (left) receives Paul Kibet (centre) of Moi Secondary School at the finish line after winning the ‘Cycle with the Rhino’ race at Lake Nakuru National Park on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |
What you need to know:
- Kibet, a form two student at Moi Secondary School in Nakuru, featured in the competitive senior boys’ category for 14-17 years.
Sixteen-year-old Paul Kibet won the 13th edition of the annual Cycle with the Rhino race held at Lake Nakuru National Park on Saturday.
Kibet, a form two student at Moi Secondary School in Nakuru, featured in the competitive senior boys’ category for 14-17 years.
The race saw more than 600 participants drawn from 10 primary schools and four secondary schools cycle through the picturesque park to raise funds to rehabilitate the electric fence around the 188km square park to protect the endangered white rhinos.
Cyclists at the start line before the Cycle with the Rhino event at the Lake Nakuru National Park on September 16, 2017. Paul Kibet (second right) won the race. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kibet dedicated his victory to his mother, Maureen Moraa for supporting him.
"This victory would not have been possible without my mother’s support. I dedicate this victory to her," said an elated Kibet, who started featuring in the competition while he was a pupil at Roots Academy.
He said that he was happy to win the race and play a crucial role in preserving the endangered species.
Simon Theuri of Upper Hill Academy finished second followed by Bill Richardson of Shah Lalji Academy.
Simon Theuri of Upper Hill Secondary School celebrates finishing second in the ‘Cycle with the Rhino’ senior category with participants being of age 14-17 years on September 16, 2017 at the Lake Nakuru National Park. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In the senior girls’ category, Melvin Jones Academy dominated the race with a 1-2-3 sweep.
"We came with a mission to contribute to the protection of white rhinos and win the race and we're happy we did not disappoint," said Sehrish Khawaja, who topped the podium.
Claudia Wanjiru finished second with Amarjot completing the top three.
In the 7-9 years category, Lions Primary School took the first two positions in the girls' section with Ivy Achieng' winning the race followed by Grace Mumo while Sasha Rose of Carol Academy came in a distant third.
In the boys’ race, Ryan Nderu of Lions Academy roared to victory. Griffin Otieno of Roots Academy and Precious Paul wound second and third respectively.
Carol Academy students were in a class of their own after they sweept the podium in the boys 10-13 years category. Leading the pack was George Kariuki followed by Leon Omondi with Emmanuel Kiplagat third.
Excel's Joy Kamau cruised to victory in the girls’ category ahead of Tracey Shantelle of Crater Academy while Caro Chege of Excel finished third.
The winners were awarded certificates by acting deputy director Parks and Research Michael Kipkeu.
