World Road Running half marathon bronze medalist Catherine Reline and 2018 Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medalist Edward Pingua Zakayo have put their efforts to make the cut into the World Cross country championships and the Olympic Games.
Speaking over the weekend following their triumph at the Athletics Kenya North Rift Region championships at the Kishaunet showground, Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Reline said that she has been missing out on team Kenya in various international shows.
Reline, who won her first medal during the 2023 World Road Running championships, settled for bronze behind the champion Peres Jepchirchir (KEN), Margaret Kipkemboi Chelimo (KEN) in an all Kenyan podium sweep.
“This will year, I want to make use of it because I have been missing out on various events. I missed world cross country but this time I want to try my best,” said Reline, the winner of the 2023 Chemususu Half marathon.
Representing Elgeyo Marakwet, Reline also missed an opportunity to compete at the 2021 Olympics with missed qualifying time.
“It was disappointing to miss the trip to Tokyo but I hope this time, due to my training and proper preparations, I will make it to Paris, France,” added Reline.
Reline won the title in 31:22.4 followed by Christine Chesiro (31:31.1) and Maureen Jepkoech for third at 32:22.4.
Zakayo, the 2018 world under 20 5,000m champion said that he has never represented the country in major championships apart from the world under 20.
He said that he has been missing out on many occasions like the world cross country, world championships and Olympic Games.
“This is my year after healing from a hip injury. I want to run well and compete at world championships, world cross country or Olympic Games apart from the junior category and because I have started the season, I want to try my best. I have been battling with my injury and now that it is healed, I want to try and compete well,” said Zakayo.
He said that he could have gone for Valencia 10km but missed the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games.
He won the 10km senior men’s race in 27:47.2 followed by two time Los Angeles marathon champion John Korir (27:54.5) and newly crowned Tinderet Mountain run champion Fredrick Domongole (28:04.7).
Selected North Rift results
10km senior women
Catherine Reline (31:22.4), Christine Chesiro (31:57.1), Maureen Jepkoech (32:22.4), Vivian Jerotich (32:31.8), Pheline Cheruto (32:49.7) and Betty Kipkore (32:59.5).
10km senior men
Edward Zakayo (27:47.2), John Korir (27:54.5), Fredrick Domongole (28:04.4), Asbel Kiprop (28:15.5), Miyangata Kibet (28:22.6) and Zacharia Krop (28:33.4).
6km under 20 women
Domitila Cheruto (19:15.6), Alice Jemutai (19:39.0), Martha Jelimo (19:43.9), Sheila Chepkorir (19:56.0), Vivian Chepkorio (19:56.8) and Dorothy Jerop (23:03.9).
8km under 20 women
Johanna Erot (21:49.6), Charles Rotich (21:52.7), Simon Maiywa (22:23.4), Victor Kipruto (22:31.1), John Kimutai (22:39.5) and Ezekiel Rutto (22:47.5).