By Reuben Olita, Busia
Wency Wabwire and Angela Miriam were on Saturday, 19th April 2025, crowned the men’s and women’s Busia Cross-border 15 kilometre run champions, whose curtain came down at the Busia polytechnic.
Wabwire from Nambale Sub County shrugged off stiff opposition to return home in a time of 50 minutes 39.10 seconds. He was followed in second position by Edwin Bwire from Samia in 51:02.01.
Wycliffe Wafula was ranked third in 51: 56.96. Other top six finishers in that order included Mark Nandiema, Daniel Omondi, and Jude Emomeri.
The cross-border race to Uganda took the athletes to Peace Temple and back through Busia county stadium to Mayenje and back through ATC to the finishing point at Busia Polytechnic.
The runners were flagged off by Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Mr Arthur Osiya, who was the Chief Guest.
” It was a pleasant surprise to return to podium finish in first position. This was attributed to intensive training I undertook in readiness for the big day,” Wabwire told the press after crossing the line in pole position.
In the ladies’ category Angela Miriam from Mauko in Matayos, who finished second in last year’s edition, crossed the finish line in first position after registering an impressive time of one hour, 14 minutes and 13.40 seconds.
Belinda Akojoi from Teso South took second position in 01:14.14.40 with Mercy Asale from Teso Central, emerging third overall in 01: 22.16.10.
Miriam said her victory was attributed to fans who cheered her all the way along the route, motivation and passion.
The third year student of Maseno University, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education majoring in Biology and Home Science thanked the organizers for enabling them to run at home, urging other runners to take advantage of that gesture.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Ruth Namukula from Teso North, Sarah Night ( Matayos), and Mildred Alukwe (Samia), who returned in that order but were disqualified after missing the route.
The runners blamed Ugandan Police for misdirecting them after covering 10 km inside, Uganda leaving 5km inside the Kenyan side.
In the ladies’ 10km cross country race, 13-year-old Grade 6 learner of St Luke’s Amoni Comprehensive school, Phinancia Awino, took first position in 34 minutes 27.16 seconds.
Ruth Ajakaa from Teso North took second position in 35.10.48 with Cynthia Akwede from Teso Central finishing third in 35.30.18. Teso North produced 6 runners among the top 10.
In men’s 10 km race, Justine Anyara from Teso North emerged first with a time of 27 minutes, 22.91 seconds. Stephen Karani (Teso North) was second in 27:31.24, and Felix Omongaisi, also from Teso North, taking third position in 27:46.19.
In the ladies’ 5km category, Esther Buluma from Nambale took first position. Hellen Akamaran from Teso Central finished second, with Sharon Akware taking third position.
Chris Odora from Teso North was crowned the men’s champion. Meshack Keya finished second, with Dan Wanjala taking third position.
The winners in 15km, 10km and 5km were awarded medals and cash awards. Top 5 winners in each category were also awarded certificates, and maize seeds courtesy of Kenya seed Company.
Osiya said the cross- border run will enhance cohesion between Kenya and Uganda in the fight against drug and substance abuse and talent nurturing.
Osiya added that people are special human beings and urged the youths to look for what to do, noting that health and wealth are critical in achieving one’s goal in life.
The PAS thanked Athletics Kenya for putting athletics in the world map, urging it to look at Busia in a bid to tap talents, which abound in the county by setting camps here.
The event organiser Sarah Martha said this year’s Busia coss-border run took runners 10km inside Uganda, noting that it has brought cohesion and peace among Kenya and Uganda, adding that through NACADA’s involvement, it will help in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
AK Western Region vice chairman Patrick Kipsang thanked Busia Border Marathon Foundation for organising the Cross Border Run, promising to elevate it to a full marathon during the 6th edition of the event next year, thus making it the greatest regional event.
“Athletics is a well paying sport, recalling how 100m world beater Ferdinand Omanyala won Ksh5.8m in 30 seconds. Most local runners come from humble backgrounds, thus the need to accord them support,” Kipsang noted.
AK Busia Branch chairman Martin Kabaka said Busia County took position one in the national primary schools championships in Mombasa, exuding confidence that they will excel in the East African Games in Eldoret.
