Lorna Cherono and Frankline Chebet were the winners of the Athletics Kenya inter-camps cross country competition held yesterday at the Kamoi Secondary school ground in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
At the same time, the Federation’s Director of Youth Development Barnaba Korir officially closed down the 54 camps located across the country ahead of Christmas and new year celebrations.
Coming from West Pokot at the Chewoyet camp, Cherono won the 6km under 20 title in 19:49.2 ahead of Kaptama’s Ruth Cherop (21:00.01) and Kamoi’s Sylvia Chemngetich for third position in 21:14.6.
Recovering from chest pains, Cherono said that she did not expect to win because she was out of training for so long.
“I did not expect to win because I have been sick with chest pain. I compete in 5,000m and 3,000m. The win has motivated me to continue training and more camps should be set up to nurtute more talents just the way I have benefitted,” said Cherono who trains under Edward Moti.
The 8km under 20 winner Chebet from Kamoi camp said it was good to win at home and enjoy home fans cutting the tape at 23:42.2.
“It was good winning the last race representing my camp at home. The victory was good for me since I was running at home,” said Chebet.
East Africa schools 5,000m silver medalists Anthony Kibiwott from Kaptama camp managed second position after leading.
“I was going to win this title until the last 200m when I fell losing the momentum and injuring my knee hence missing the title. However, I am not disappointed because I came second,” said Kibiwott who cross the finish line in 23:48.7.
Coming from Samburu, Melvine Lemaiyan managed third position when he clocked 24:06.5, there there is need to set up a camp in his county that continues to produce young athletes.
“This is my first time to finish on the podium and being in the camp has been of great help. In Samburu there are no camps and no support that is why I came here to train,” he said.
He decried that top athletes from the county have never had a chance to nurture the young ones and missing a chance to meet them.
“In Samburu some top athletes are selfish that they don’t support the young ones. We are not aware if they normally come back home because they really hide,” he said with courage.
With December holiday coming to an end, Korir, who attended the final event said that they have various they pleased with the outcome of the camps and performance.
“It is evident that there is a huge interests from communities to engage in athletics. Going back, we have seen the fruits of these camps especially those who have transformed into the senior ranks. We appreciate the government for supporting this initiative set up by the Athletics Kenya,” said Korir.
He added that they have a program that there is continuity and this is a long term ahead of 2026 Youth Olympic Games and 2028 Olympic Games.
“These camps have changed the perception of the public and the little resources we give to these schools is what has transformed such institutions. Some of the funds they get, they use, not only on food but improving the facilities and structures. The funds indirectly support the community around. Some areas, the community, schools, parents and teachers have come together, raising resources to establish their own camps,” said Korir.
He added that on top of that areas like Chepsaita, the proceeds from these camps are used to pay school fees for the needy children.
“We have structures that have come out clearly. I am pleased that what we started as a federation, is coming out,” he added.
Selected intercamps results
2km women
- Marion Cherotich (Kamoi) 6:39.7
- Sharon Chepkorir (Kamoi) 6:44.6
- Ann Chebet (Endebes) 6:45.7
- Naomi Cherotich (Kaptama) 6:46.6
- Naomi Chepkwemoi (Kaptama) 6:47.7
- Rhoda Chepkobus (Kapkenda) 6:48.7
2km men
- Abel Masai (Kamoi) 5:47.5
- Shadrack kwemoi (Kamoi) 5:51.6
- Abel Kibet (Kaptama) 5:53.1
- Peter Lekongi (Chewoyet) 5:57.3
- Amos Chumo (Kaptama) 6:00.2
- Noah Kiptoo (Endebes) 6:01.6
6km women
- Lorna Cherono (Chewoyet) 19:49.2
- Ruth Cherop (Kaptama) 21:00.1
- Sylvia Chemngetich (Kamoi) 21:14.6
- Rehema Chepkorir (Endebes) 21:20.1
- Elizabeth Chelimo (Endebes) 21:27.8
- Miriam Cheptoo (Endebes) 21:35.5
8km men
- Frankline Chebet (Kamoi) 23:42.1
- Anthony Kibiwott (Kaptama) 23:48.7
- Melvine Lemaiyan (Chewoyet) 24:06.5
- Michael Kibet (Kaptama) 24:13.1
- Haron Kiptoo (Endebes) 24:37.8
- Shadrack Kiplimo (Kaptama) 24:44.8