Amos Kirui has been named the StarTimes/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month of February 2019.
Kirui, one of the country’s emerging athletes picked up the award after winning the Senior men’s 10 kilometer race during the national cross country trials at the Eldoret Sports Club, beating the world defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor, among others.
Kirui posted 29:51 minutes edging out out Evans Keitany to second place, who registered 29:58 minutes with Rodgers Kwemoi taking the final podium position in 30:00 minutes.
The Steeplechase specialist beat Ivory Coast rally winner Manvir Baryan and World 5000 meter champion Helen Obiri to the coveted award.
Following his victory, Kirui took home a personalized trophy, 42 Inch StarTimes Digital TV and KShs100,000 prize money.
Speaking during the award ceremony, StarTimes Director of Marketing and PR Japheth Akhulia said: “Kirui becomes the 20th winner of the StarTimes award since its inception in 2017.
Speaking during the award ceremony, StarTimes Director of Marketing and PR Japheth Akhulia said: “Kirui becomes the 20th winner of the StarTimes award since its inception in 2017.
“We are committed to continue with this journey in recognizing outstanding performances by our sports men and women while challenging others out there to work even harder as we will continue being on the look out of the best performers and awarding the same.”
Kirui joins the growing list of athletes who have won the Startimes award alongside Fatuma Zarika, Eliud Kipchoge, Mary Keitany, Wycliffe Kinyamal, Hellen Obiri, Chess player Sasha Mongeli, Swimmer Maria Brunhelner,Rally driver Manvir Baryan, Beatrice Chepkoech and boxer Judy Waguthi among others.
Kirui was delighted and appreciated the sponsors for the award which he said will go a long way towards his conquest for more honors in the upcoming track season.
“I am happy to be awarded the best sports personality in February, winning the nationals was not easy beating a very good field that included Kamworor was tough. This is good motivation as I prepare for the track season and World championships later in the year,” said Kirui.
