By Michael Owora
Published March 14, 2023
Some 108 triathletes have competed in the Karen Open Triathlon in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
With a pool swim, off road cycle and mix terrain run, the fun yet challenging course made all participants put their best foot forward as they battled water, grass, gravel, roots, trees and heat on March 12, 2023.
The event kicked off with the kids super sprint triathlon that saw six budding triathletes take on a 300m swim, 10KM off road cycle and “quick” 3KM run with the following taking top honors:-
- First Position – Recee Lunt – 1hr 33min
- Second Position – Zahra Swai – 1hr 34min
- Third Position – Dante Murugu – 1hr 37min
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Once done, the adult sprint triathlon kicked off with a wave start format with each wave accommodating 8-10 athletes and saw the following individuals take top honors on the day:-
Women
First Position – Maria Lunt – 2hr 04min
Second Position – Flynne Rushton – 2hr 18min
Third Position – Rachel Bannfield – 2hr 26min
Men
First Position – Arnav Kapur – 1hr 34min
Second Position – Emmanuel Killy – 1hr 37min
Third Position – Martin Montbaron – 1hr 39min
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When it came to the team challenge, the battle for top honours was stiff as a total of eleven teams signed up to battle it out on the course. With some teams registering members as young as 15 years, the technical team took time to review the results and it is with great pride that I share that the youngest team took home top honours as follows: –
- First Position – The Panthers – 2hr 19min
- Second Position – Heart and Sole – 2hr 20min
- Third Position – Coaches Corner – 2hrs 28min
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The event closed off with a fun award ceremony led by our DJ and MC at Karen Country Club grounds where participants, partners and supporters came together to “replenish lost calories” and recount their adventures from the day. It is without a doubt that the bike segment of the race was the biggest conversation starter.
It is safe to say that each medal and finishers t-shirt was earned by the athletes who were also treated to rehydration drinks from Bio Foods, Highlands Water and Lily’s Smoothies as well as great food from Flora Butter and the Karen Country Club restaurant. They also got to shower and freshen up courtesy of Haco Industries who provided shower gels, lotions and roll on to all participants after they got their post race massage from Cephas Physiotherapy. While others got to insure their gear with Intra Africa and bank their money with KCB and our title sponsor Family Bank.
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The Karen Open Triathlon, that was hosted by Joyriders, Karen Country Club and Team Tri Fit, marks the start of TTF’s event calendar for the year with the following local events set to take place: –
- Chale Island Triathlon – June 3rd – Open water swim, off road bike and run
- Kilifi Gold Triathlon – September 23rd – Open water swim and off road, bike and run
- Tatu City Triathlon – October 21st – Pool swim, off road bike and run
- 113 Shujaa Triathlon – Dec 3rd – Open water swim, road, bike and run
We would like to thank all the participants who braved the elements and “dug deep” to finish what is now dubbed “Karen’s first off road triathlon”. Furthermore, I would like to thank our partners, volunteers and technical support staff who made this event possible. We truly thank you for helping us raise the profile and participation of individuals in triathlon”.
Michael Owora is TTF’s Race Director
