Two time East Africa Junior champion Agnes Jebet successfully defended her Maria Soti cross country title as part of her training ahead of Africa cross country championships to be held in Lome, Togo.
But the focus was on national cross country junior champion Samuel Chebolei who, instead of running in junior, he decided to take on the big boys to compete in senior race and finished second.
Despite senior men running the same distance, 8km it was a celebration for Chebolei who sneaked in the second position.
Jebet from Kamwosor Junior Athletics Club in Keiyo South said her ambition is to win gold in Lome as part of her signature into the running career.
“I have to the country and myself that I will bring gold in this country in Togo. I came here as part of my training, speed work and endurance before hitting the camp in two weeks,” said Jebet.
The form three student at Kimwogo secondary school defended the title after timing 20:40.3 ahead of Mercy Cherop (21:04.2) who is also in the junior team and Jackline Cherop (21:13.6).
Naomi Kemboi who finished 4th in 21:19.4 is in the under 18 team just as Sheilah Chebiwott (21:24.3) and Marion Cheruiyot who will also compete in 5km under 18 was 6th in 21:26.5.
Chebolei, who has won the national titles two times in a row said he had to run with senior citizens to gauge his power and endurance.
“it was not easy but I did my best for the title. I want to run well locally as I head to Togo,” said Chebolei who competed for Nyanza during national trials despite coming from Elgeyo Marakwet county.
Nicholas Kimeli, who won the title for the second time after failing to defend his title last year, won the men’s senior race in 23:57.4 ahead of Chebolei (24:03.7), Charles Kakuri (24:10.8), Wesley Kimutai (24:16.3), Edwin kimutai (24:21.6) and Mathew Kimeli- 24:28.7.
Source: The Star