Ayeko Wins 10k Bronze in Botswana Race

Norman Katende

14 May 2011

THOMAS Ayeko won Uganda her third medal, after finishing third in the Africa Junior championships 10000m finals in Botswana on Friday evening.

Ayeko had managed to keep with the dominant Kenyans for the better part of the races, but with about three of the 25 laps remaining, Kenyan Geoffrey Kirui broke off to lead the chase with a sizeable gap.

It left Ayeko fighting with another Kenyan Nicholas Togoma for the silver medal, but with 200m left, Togomo proved he had the better finishing kick, escaping from Ayeko to win silver by 4 seconds. Ayeko settled for bronze.

“It was a tough race, but he managed to cling on for a medal,” said Ronnie Kasirye of the race.

The bronze was Uganda’s third in the biennial event.

Jacob Araptany opened up Uganda’s medal haul by winning a bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase on Thursday, having taken to the track two hours after arriving in Botswana.

Annet Negesa on Friday won a gold medal in the women 800m race and qualified for the1500m final race today.

Africa Junior championships

Boys final, 10000m

1. G.Kirui (KEN) 27:55.74

2. N.Togomo (KEN) 28:23.22

3 T.Ayeko (UGA) 28:27.54

AllAfrica – All the Time