Kenyan runners dominated the Run2Live International mile track race between runners from Great Britain and Kenya on Saturday.

The event was staged simultaneously at Tooting Bec track, as part of Herne Hill’s open meeting, and on a track at Eldoret in Kenya.

Kenyan runners filled the top five places in the men’s race, with Bernard Talam winning in four minutes, 7.20 seconds from Boniface Cheruiyot (4:13.10) and Bernard Kipngetich (4:17.11).

Fastest British runner and winner of the event at Tooting Bec was Hywel Care of Woodford Green with Essex Ladies (4:23.37).

Herne Hill’s Tim Elsey, who organised the event at the London end, was second (4:28.99), with clubmate Chris Busaileh (4:30.19).

Kenya also dominated the women’s race, with Judy Jebichii winning (5:07.04). Herne Hill’s Helen Carter was fifth in 5:39.48.

A total of 32 runners – 17 in Kenya and 15 in London – took part in this unique international event.

The event raised funds towards a shipment of footwear and clothing to Kenya.

Elsey said: “Many Kenyan runners come from a very impoverished existence and the reason they run is simply because their lack of education and opportunities leaves little else for them to do.

“They hear stories from successful athletes of how they have raced in Europe and received unimaginable riches in winning just one race.

“They see how these successful athletes return to Kenya and soon can afford to buy their own land and build a home.

“Unfortunately, very few will be able to achieve this.”

“Some manage to gain work in cafes or harvesting the maize crops but little work is available and it provides a very basic income that is barely enough to support themselves let alone their families.

Run2Live aims to provide these young men and women with the funds to support either their education or that of their siblings to a secondary school level.

“Subsequent funds will be directed to educational costs,” added Elsey.

“In addition, the charity aims to support these people to think proactively about how they can make a difference in their rural communities by supporting small projects such as water management and agriculture.”