Purity Kajuju sets ambitious goals after finishing first ahead of twin sister in Udine half marathon

Handout

ATHLETICS Purity Kajuju sets ambitious goals after finishing first ahead of twin sister in Udine half marathon

Abigael Wafula 08:23 - 24.09.2023

The Iten-based runner emerged the winner of the race after clocking 68.58 ahead of her twin sister Caroline Makandi Gitonga who clocked, 70.13 to cross the line second.

Hamburg 10k winner Purity Gitonga Kajuju has shifted her focus to the Athletics Kenya Cross-country meetings after her dominant display at the Udine half marathon where she was debuting.

The Iten-based runner emerged the winner of the race after clocking 68.58 ahead of her twin sister Caroline Makandi Gitonga who clocked, 70.13 to cross the line second. Nahimana Cavaline completed the podium after clocking 72.33.

Kajuju’s focus has now shifted to the cross country which may be starting in November, as the dates are yet to be confirmed by Athletics Kenya.

“I’m happy to have won my first half marathon which is also my personal best time in that race, now I am going for an off-season for two weeks then start training for cross country,” she said.

The Murinya Secondary School alumnus said she has been competing in different international and local races and has posted great performances so far.

“I started running in high school competitions, and that is when I noticed I had a talent, after high school I joined run2gether camp in Naivasha Longonot,” Kajuju added.

Kajuju won Hamburg 10km this year clocking 30.57 and ladies Vienna 5k where she was second timing 14.59. Her personal best half-marathon time of 68.58 she got in Udine.

Meanwhile, her sister Makandi will be competing at the 10km Maratona del Presidente slated for Sunday in Forli City, Italy.

“I will be participating in 10km in Italy this weekend and later 5km, then I will be done with this season,” she said.

Tags: