Former World Cross Country junior bronze medalist Samuel Chebole Masai and Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi triumphed in the 10km senior men and women at the second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country championships held today at the Chepsaita Secondary in Uasin Gishu County.
Chebole, the winner of the first edition of Sirikwa Cross country won the elite men’s 10km title beating compatriot and former Africa Games 5,000m champion and fresh from winning Athletics Kenya Iten Cross Country champion Robert Kiprop Koech to second as Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto was ranked third.
He won the title in 30:49 as Kiprop was second in 30:58 and Naibei in 30:12.
“It was a good competition because the event attracted international athletes. After the third lap, the three of us pulled away,” Chebolei said.
Kenyans flopped in the women’s race with Chekwemoi winning the title ahead of Ethiopian Medides Shimeles Molla with Kenyan Celestine Biwott completing the podium.
Chekwemoi won the title in 34:32 with Molla coming second at 35:57 and Biwot in third in 36:43.
Chekwemoi said that winning in Kenya was a dream come true due to their top level of competence.
“I couldn’t believe I could win in the home of champions but when I was running I told myself that I am also a champion. I am working hard to ensure that I am a World Champion next year. I had to be tough to be a champion. I saw myself moving in the second loop. I want to thank the spectators for cheering,” said Chekwemoi.
Top ten finishers
Men
- Samuel Chebole Masai 30:49
- Robert Kiprop Koech 30:58
- Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto 31:12
- Naibei Kiplimo 31:22
- Charles Rotich 31:23
- Felix masai Kibet 31:30
- Victor Kibet 31:31
- Edwin Kiptoo 31:34
- Fredrick Domongole 31:43
- Charles Katul Lokir 31:45
Women
- Loice Chekwemoi (UGA) 34:32
- Mekides Shimeles Molla (ETH) 35:57
- Celestine Biwott (KEN) 36:43
- Daisilah Jerono (KEN) 36:53
- Sylvia Nyoka Yeko 37:24
- Deborah Samum 37:33
- Abigael Chepkoech 37:45
- Brenda Jepchumba 28:04
- Rency Kogo 38:13
- Naomi Korir 38:18