Africa Cross Country bronze medalist Beatrice Mutai and John Koech started their year on a high note after winning the 5th leg of Athletics Kenya, Kapsokwony cross country championships held today in Mount Elgon, Bungoma County.
The Nyahururu based Mutai clocked 35:15.16 to beat Kenyan born turned Bahraini Ruth Jebet, also the Olympic champion and world record holder in 3,000m steeplechase.
Jebet was second in 35:21.24 followed by former 1,500m junior champion Eva Cherono to third timing 35:31.64.
Mutai said she used the event to as part of her preparations ahead of other races especially the Africa Cross Country Championships in Algeria.
“I was not prepared well but I just wanted to gauge my performance because last week I was in another race in Europe. I’m happy I was able to
Coming from Bahrain, Koech won the 10km senior men’s race ahead of Philip Kipyego who came second (30:39.41) as Emmanuel Ruto was in third place in 30:56.25.
“I ran in Iten AK Cross Country series and I was in sixth position and I went back to training where I rectified my mistakes and that is why I was able to lead in the race,” said the 2015 Asian champion.
Beatrice Chebet who was fourth in the World Under-18 Championships 3,000m race last year emerged the winner in 20:45.2 ahead of Mercy Chepkorir who ran in 21:06.6 while world silver youth champion in Under-18 Lydia Jeruto was third clocking 21:16.4.
In the men’s 8km category, Chewoyet’s High School student Michael Kibet emerged the winner after running in 23:52.88.
Shadrack Kimutai came in second position after clocking 24:14.94 while Samwel Kibet sealed the podium three after running in 24:20.91.
The youths are eyeing the Africa Cross Country Championships slots to be held in Chlef, Algeria.