Iten, KenyaTwentysevenyearold mother of three, Pauline Atodonyang, beat many top athletes to win the Shoe4Africa 5km road race in the north Rift Valley Province town of Iten, today.
Atodonyang, a native of Kapsangar, which is gaining notoriety for discovering athletes in their post-prime ages, has been training for just two years in the same camp as Chelapong Chemokil, a mother of four who caught the nation's imagination when she won the 2005 Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon.
"I will invest this money in my training, buying facilities and food for my children," said Atodonyang who finished in 17:03 to win US$500. Atodonyang took the lead from halfway, and stretched her margin of advantage over the field later in the race.
Second-placed Consolata Chemutai, crossed the line in 17:05 and Beatrice Chepchumba, the 2000 World Junior 3000m champion, was third in 17:06. Silvia Kibet, African 5000m bronze medallist, finished fourth (17:07)
Irene Kwambai, 2004 African 10,000m silver medallist, finished 11th in 17:32, while World 3000m Steeplechase bronze medallist, Jeruto Kiptum, came home 20th in 17:51.
Other events today included a 2km walk and 2km jog. The Iten area was a sea of humanity as the entire town of 200,000 came to a standstill, cheering the young and the old. 150 pairs of shoes were distributed to the athletes.
Organised as part of an AIDS/HIV awareness campaign, a VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) centre was open at the venue.
Stars turn-out to support
The star, Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) of the American TV drama E.R was on had to start the race, and also present were world marathon record holder, Paul Tergat, former Boston Marathon champion, Moses Tanui, Commonwealth 5000m champion, Augustine Choge, World Cross Country silver medallist, Isaac Songok, former Olympic steeplechase silver medallist, Patrick Sang, and a host of top international athletes.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
Leading results
1. Pauline Atodonyang 17:03
2. Consolata Chemutai 17:05
3. Beatrice Chepchumba 17:06
4. Silvia Kibet 17:07
5. Hellen Kiprop 17:13
6. Beatrice Ruto 17:16
7. Gladys Kemboi 17:17
8. Pamela Lisoreng 17:18
9. Viola Bor 17:22
10. Lena Cheruyot 17:32
