Kelvin Kariankei and Joan Chepkurui were in imperious form to claim the Under-20 men’s and women’s races at the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, World Athletics Gold Label event at the Chepkemel Dispansary in Uasin Gishu County today.
In the 8km men, Kariankei cruised to victory in 25:20 to ahead of Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27) and Alex Pelor (25:33).
The Form Four student at Chepsaita Secondary School said lessons learnt from his appearance at the National Cross Country Championships proved invaluable.
“At the nationals I finished 12th but today I was victorious,” he said.
“After the nationals, I realised that I was going out too hard with a fast pace. But today, I ran smart with the leading group, then pushed in the final lap, and that paid off.”
Kipchirchir admitted the rugged, hilly terrain tested his resolve.
“The race was good, but the course was a challenge because it was hilly,” he said.
After competing at the Baringo and National Cross Country Championships, Kipchirchir switched to a more dedicated training programme, a move that ultimately carried him onto the podium.
“I had run in Baringo and at the Nationals where I finished fourth. After that, I went back to training and was running 10km in the morning and 4km in the evening,” he added.
Chepkurui stormed to the women’s U20 6km crown in 21:34, outkicking Mercy Kirwa who clocked 21:48, while Fancy Chepkorir completed the podium in 22:07.
Despite her emphatic display, the Kuresoi-based athlete admitted victory caught her off guard.
“This is my first time running here in Chepsaita. The race was not easy and I did not expect to win. However, I am happy with the results,” Chepkurui said.
“The course was very hard but I was determined to finish, so I pushed on. I had done proper training because I knew Chepsaita is never an easy race.”
Runner-up Kirwa echoed the same sentiments about the brutal course conditions.
“The race was okay, the only challenge was the heavy winds. This is my first time to run here in Chepsaita,” she said.
The young talent has already tested her strength in the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series and is hungry for more.
“I had run at the Kapsokwony Cross Country and finished fourth, so I focused more on speed work. I run 1,500m and 5,000m on the track and I hope to one day represent Kenya at a global championship,” she added.
Chepkorir credited her strong outing to the influence of world-beating company.
“I train in Iten under coach Peter Bii and double world champion Beatrice Chebet is my training mate,” she revealed. “She has pushed and motivated me to get here. I thank God I was able to make the podium.”
She has been sharpening her form in the AK Cross Country circuit, featuring in races in Olkalau and Machakos, and eyes a breakthrough year ahead.
“I run 5,000m, and I hope to have a strong 2026 season because my body feels in great shape,” she said with a wide smile.
Top ten finishers
Selected results
6km under 20 women
- Joan Chepkurui 21:34
- Mercy Kirwa 21:48
- Fancy Chepkorir 22:07
- Venenza Chebet 22:30
- Selly Chelangat 22:32
- Maurine Chepkorir 22:43
- Cynthia Jepkorir 22:50
- Sylvia Chemwetich 23:06
- Florence Chepkoech 23:11
- Mary Nanjala 23:16
8km under 20 men
- Kelvin kakenya Kariankei 25:20
- Emmanuel Kipchirchir 25:27
- Alex Meriokal Pelor 25:33
- Nicholas Losiwareng Ktum 25:49
- Andrew Akori Kiptoo 25:51
- Enock Tuitoek 25:59
- Felix Kiplagat 25:59
- Brian Kiptoo Ngetich 26:01
- Peter naiebi 26:04
- Clinton Kimutai 26:10