In a breakout performance that lit up Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Kelvin Kiprop Biwott stunned the field to win the 3000m Under 18 final at the CAA Under 18/20 National Trials on Friday making a perfect transition from the rugged trails of cross country to the smoother lanes of track competition.

Biwott, representing Central Rift, clocked a brilliant 8:02.54, edging out Emmanuel Kiprono and Kelvin Kipkosgei in a tactical race that came down to the final 200 metres.

It was not only his first time racing on the track but also his first time winning there, and in dominant fashion.

“I am really happy for this win, especially because it was my first attempt on the track. I have always competed in cross country, but this gave me a new kind of confidence. I now hope to build on this and represent Kenya at the continental championship and beyond,” said Biwott.

Before turning heads at Afraha, Biwott was already a rising star in Kenya’s junior distance running circuit.

In February this year he made headlines by winning the national cross-country championship under 20 in Eldoret, beating Franklin Kibet and Emanuel Lemiso.

The Form Four student at Sinonin Secondary School in Baringo also dominated the Sirikwa Classic cross country and won twice in the AK cross country series in Iten and Ol Kalou.

It was not Biwott alone who amazed fans at Afraha.

Sprinter Clinton Aluvi from Central region was the other major standout, blazing through the Under 20 semi-final in 10.53 seconds before winning his 200m heat in 20.97, showing rare sprint dominance at the youth level.

In the women’s category, Cynthia Chepkurui from Nairobi won the 5000m under 20 in a time of 15:37.82, while Denis Kipkoech Kemboi anchored a South Rift sweep in the men’s 5000m with 13:42.37.

South Rift’s dominance in distance events was also on full display in the Under 18 2000m steeplechase, where Mercy Chepgeno surged to victory in 6:33.19, leading a clean sweep of the podium by the region.

Chepngeno, representing Lemotit, maintained a strong rhythm over the barriers and water jumps, finishing comfortably ahead of her teammate Clare Chepngetich (6:41.78) of Tiloa.

Sandra Jepchumba of Kalyet secured third in 6:45.80, sealing the South Rift sweep.

The two-day event, which attracted more than 500 athletes, serves as a selection ground for the Kenyan team for the 2025 African under 18/20 Athletics Championships.

Athletics Kenya 1st Vice President Paul Mutwii praised the high standard witnessed in Nakuru, noting the emergence of new stars.

“I am very proud of the young athletes I have seen today competing here. What we are seeing is the future of Kenyan athletics; strong, competitive and hungry. We are selecting two teams here, Under 18 and 20, which they will proceed to Nigeria for the African Championship to be held in Nigeria in August,” he said.