For more than four decades, 58-year-old Priscillah Biwott has not only been running to maintain her fitness but also because athletics is special to her.
Taking her place alongside competitors young enough to be her daughters and grandchildren, an elderly woman with short grey hair positions herself at the race’s starting line.
With unyielding determination, she prepares for yet another race that has become an integral part of her lifestyle.
“I’ve competed in races in many countries including Italy, Brazil, India, and Tanzania,” Biwott said.
“I’ve come to Kericho to compete today and next week I’ll be in Eldoret in my home county of Uasin Gishu.”
After participating in the inaugural Belgut 10-kilometer road race in Kericho County on Sunday, Biwott engaged with reporters. The event was initiated by the Roads Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, and graced by Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
When the race was officially launched at Chepnyoga Trading Center, Biwott sprang into action without hesitation.
Despite crossing the finish line 16 minutes after the winner, 24-year-old Janeth Chepng’etich, a silver medalist at the Prague Half Marathon from Nakuru County, Biwott’s spirit remained unwavering.
Chepng’etich’s time was 33:15.4, and it’s noteworthy that she is 34 years younger than Biwott.
“I’m happy to have competed with the youthful athletes who are my children. I feel very strong,” she said, adding that she has six grandchildren who are her biggest fans,” said the mother of four grown-up children.
In the men’s category, Peter Mwaniki, aged 29, clinched victory with an impressive time of 29:16.0, outpacing the elder athlete by a substantial 20-minute margin.
Biwott Has moved to Kiambu
This road race served a noble cause, aiming to generate funds for the education of orphans attending Belgut Taptugen Starehe Boys School and Belgut Starehe Girls Secondary School in Kericho County.
“I was number one in the category of the athletes aged 55-59 years. This motivated me to put more effort into my training,” said Biwott who usually trains in Eldoret but moved to Kiambu County.
She moved there last month to improve her performance.
“I want to appeal to the youth to run clean and avoid use of performance-enhancing drugs that have cut short careers of many athletes.”
Despite her advanced age, Biwott managed to surpass over 50 much younger athletes, with some participants dropping out along the way.
Biwott’s journey in running began during her time at Kamwosor Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where she initially engaged in 400-meter races.
Her passion for the sport persisted as she transitioned to Laboret Secondary School in Nandi County, where she even participated in national examinations back in 1984.
