Kiprotich, Kibet Triumph at the 15km Betika Iten Road Race

The legendary Iten once again lived up to its famed “Home of Champions” status as Amos Kiprotich and Doreen Kibet emerged victorious at the Betika 15km Road Race after dominating a competitive field of more than 1,000 athletes.

Kiprotich, 25, produced a composed and tactical run to clinch the men’s title in 44 minutes and 33 seconds ahead of Denis Kipkurui, who timed 44:47, while Kiprono Kipkemoi completed the podium in 44:59.

The Nakuru-based athlete, who trains in Keringet, said the race offered the perfect opportunity to measure himself against some of the country’s finest long-distance runners.

“I was looking forward to challenging myself against formidable competitors. Races like these are important because they sharpen athletes and help prepare us for bigger international competitions,” Kiprotich said after the race.

He noted that although Keringet offers similar high-altitude conditions, competing in Iten presents a unique challenge due to the depth of elite talent in the area

In the women’s race, 23-year-old Doreen Kibet from Kapsabet stormed to victory in 51 minutes and six seconds, improving on her second-place finish at the Betika Kapsabet race held in April.
Judy Jepnge’tich settled for second place in 52:00, with Naomi Chemweno taking third in 52:10.

Kibet described the Iten course as demanding but ideal for testing an athlete’s endurance and mental strength.

“The terrain here is not for the weak. It challenges every athlete and pushes you to perform at your best,” she stated.

The rising star also revealed plans to invest part of her winnings in securing professional management as she eyes a transition to the global athletics stage.

“For an athlete to succeed internationally, you need a strong team handling the business side of sport so you can focus fully on training and performance,” she added.

Betika Group Head of Brand Eric Mwiti hailed the turnout and quality of competition, saying the event continues to grow into a major platform for upcoming and established runners.

“Iten has always been the barometer for athletic excellence and today was no different. Seeing over 1,000 athletes from across the region and beyond converge here proves that the Betika Iten Road Race is becoming an important fixture for athletes seeking to test themselves against the best,” Mwiti said.

Both winners walked away with Sh250,000 each, while second-place finishers received Sh150,000 and third-place athletes pocketed Sh100,000.

Prize money was extended to athletes finishing in the top 10, underlining the organisers’ commitment to supporting grassroots talent and strengthening Kenya’s athletics pipeline.