Former Nelson Mandela Half Marathon silver medalist Sarah Naibei and Africa junior cross country runner Peter Lang’at were crowned the champions of the Athletics Kenya Western Region cross country championships held today at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) ground.
As East Africa secondary schools 1,500m champions Felix Korir and Janet Chepkoech dominated junior races in men and women respectively.
The Turban 10km silver medalist defeated experienced Nancy Chepkwemoi, the former world junior 1,500m bronze medalist who also world Africa cross country junior bronze medalist to win 10km senior women title.
“It was a good race, when I defeated the most experienced runner,” said Naibei.
The Iten based runner stepped into the lead in the first 2km, opening a 200m gap but Chepkwemoi, using her experience closed the gap, took the lead in the 5km but on the whistle, Naibei, running shoulder to shoulder overtook her to extend the lead.
Representing Vihiga County, Naibei won the race on 27:30.44 ahead of Chepkwemoi’s 37:43.28.
In a friendly run of three- Peter lang’at, Kennedy Kipyego and Peter Mayabei from 2km, Lang’at won the 10km senior men title ahead of Kipyego and Mayabei.
With the three representing Bungoma County, Lang’at won the title in 32:13.26 ahead of Kipyego (32:13.56) and Mayabei in 32:13.80.
“We had to run a friendly race because we train together and we needed to qualify as a team. That was achieved,” said Lang’at who is targeting Africa cross country championships.
Felix Korir won the 8km title to add on his 1,500m East Africa secondary schools title.
“This is part of my training ahead of world under 20 championships,” said Korir.
6km junior women
- Janet Chepkeoch- 22:09.99
- Naomi Charokony- 22:44.09
- Sella Boiyo-23:50.75
- Phena Yego-24:02.62
- Ann Masibo-24:37.10
- Phanice Chemai- 25:16.80
8km junior men
- Felix Korir- 24:56.78
- Emmanuel Maruu- 25:05.50
- Felix Kibet- 25:16.64
- Maxwel Kimwetich- 25:27.32
- Johnstone Melly- 25:48.67
- Brian Kiptoo- 26:02.43
10km senior women
- Sarah Naibei-37:30.44
- Nancy Chepkwemoi-37:43.28
- Naomi Chebet- 43:50.81
- Susan Chebet- 46:48.48
- Doris Muhonja- 52:04.04
- Sarah Musimba- 53:50.97
10km senior men
- Peter Lang’at- 32:13.26
- Kenneth Kipyego- 32:13.56
- Peter Mayabei- 32:13.80
- Enos kales- 32:39.51
- Leos Ndiwa- 32:47.74
- Keritu Kimutai- 32:56.66