A
race to remember John Ngugi
Omulo Okoth for the IAAF
1 October 2001 - Nairobi - Athletics fans rememb John Ngugi, the king of the terrain who blazed the trail for latter-day Kenya’s world-beating cross country stars.
A cross country race was organised to honour ‘King’ John on September 29, in his native Nyahururu town, some 200 kilometres north west of the capital city.
Organisers, MFAE Athletics Club, funded by a Japanese tea exporter Masato Marukana based in the town, argued that people have tended to forget Ngugi, who won world cross country titles in 1986, 87, 88, 89 and 1992 besides 5000 metres Olympic gold in Seoul in 1988 and Commonwealth Games silver in 1990.
“We shall organise this race every year to encourage the youth that other avenues of success exist other than education alone. We also encourage education as part of our support to the community,” F.M. Kariuki, MFAE’s scholarship co-ordinator, said.
“When they (organisers) approached me and suggested they wanted my name involved, I readily accepted and told them I would invite my fellow athletes to witness the inaugural event,” Ngugi said a cheering crowd.
The meeting was enlivened by the presence of a star-studded guest list which brought this small town at the foot of Mt Kenya to a standstill. The chief guest was Moses Tanui, who started his illustrious athletics career two decades ago with Ngugi, the late Paul Kipkoech, the late Some Muge, Andrew Masai just to mention a few. Flanking Tanui on the high table was Paul Tergat, who, as a form two secondary school student, watched Ngugi win 5,000m gold medal in the African Games in Nairobi in 1987 and was later to match Ngugi’s dominance with a five-year successive reign over the world cross country terrain.
Other guests were Joshua Chelanga, who was third in Boston City marathon last April, retired athletes Japter Keter, Lukas Sang and Sammy Kosgei, now persuing athletics administration.
The local organising committee included marathon stars Sammy Nyangincha, who is one of the coaches at the Puma club, Joseph Kimani and Ibrahim Kinuthia.
“We fully support such meetings as they are the nursery of athletes,” Tanui told the gathering. “We started them in Eldoret some years ago with a small crowd but these days athletes alone top 2000. So I would encourage you people and sponsors not to lose hope,” he said.
Tergat stressed on sacrifice and discipline if athletes are to succeed in their career. “Don’t think it is easy for an athlete like Moses (Tanui) to remain in shape for 20 years. It takes more than you may imagine,” Tergat, also twice Olympics and World 10,000 metres silver medalist, said.
Enthusiasm among the local community, predominantly Kikuyu tribe who have in largely been associated with commerce and trade, rather than sports, was palpable. Races ranged from one kilometre races for 8-year boys and girls to women’s 8km and 12 km men’s race.
Results:
Men
12km
1 Francis Kibiwott 36:38.40
2 Josephat Ngotho 36:41.10
3 Duncan Ndegwa 36:58.00
4km Senior
1 Stephen Njenga 11:36
2 David Cheruiyot 11:37
3 Ken Kasimili 11:38
6km Junior
1 Isaac Macharia 24:11
2 Daniel Cheruiyot 24:17
3 Pharis Irungu 24:31
4km Under-14 years
1 Elijah Mureithi 13:16
2 Solomon Munyiri 13:28
3 Julius Mwangi 13:36
2km Under-12 years
1 Isaac Nyaga 8:16
2 Solomon Ndegwa 8:19
3 Peter Mwangi 8:29
1km Under-8 years
1 Stephen Githiga 4:08
2 Nicholas Miringu 4:15
3 Rufus Kagiri 4:27
Women
8km
1 Rahab Wangui 28:26
2 Mary Njeri 28:48
3 Alice Muthoni 29:26
6km
1 Monica Wangari 20:19
2 Gladys Kipsoi 20:38
3 Milka Wanja 20:42
2km Under-12 years
1 Caroline Muthoni 8:26
2 Anna Wabeba 8:26
3 Mary Njoki 8:32
1km Under-8 years
1 Bilha Mwihaki 4:11
2 Josephine Wanjiru 4:17
3 Mary Muthoni 4:23
