Fridah Ndinda and Mercy Chepng’eno delivered standout performances at the 2nd Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field Weekend Meeting held at Thika Stadium, underlining their growing stature on the local athletics circuit.

Ndinda, the 2023 Durban 10K third-place finisher, showcased tactical maturity to clinch victory in the women’s 5,000m. The 25-year-old timed 16:31.9, narrowly edging Gladys Cherop (16:32.9) and a determined Tabitha Wanjiru (16:33.2) in a tightly contested finish.

Employing a patient race strategy, Ndinda sat just behind the leaders for most of the race before unleashing a decisive kick in the closing stages. She credited her confidence to solid training and inspiration drawn from Kenya’s global stars.

“Gladys set the pace and I stayed calm, waiting for the right moment. My training gave me confidence in my finishing kick,” Ndinda said, adding that she closely studies the finishing power of Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon to sharpen her own race craft.

The victory, she noted, has boosted her motivation ahead of upcoming AK weekend meetings.

Cherop, who led for long spells, admitted she had hoped for a faster time but revealed a hamstring issue limited her final push. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Wanjiru, a Grade 10 student at Kiambongo Secondary School, was delighted to secure a podium finish, describing the race as competitive but rewarding.

In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Mercy Chepng’eno emerged victorious in 10:28.9, finishing ahead of Tecla Cheserek (10:34.6) and Winsam Cherono (10:35.5). Chepng’eno said the win came as a surprise but provided encouragement as she builds towards the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene in August.

“I didn’t expect to win, but I’m grateful. My focus now is to prepare well and perform strongly at the World U20,” she said.

Cheserek and Cherono also took positives from their podium finishes, identifying technical improvements and speed work as key areas ahead of future competitions.