Kelvin Kiprop and Cynthia Chepkirui dominate under 20 at Sirikwa Classic

Kelvin Kiprop and Cynthia Chepkirui were the winners of the 4^th edition of Sirikwa Classic Cross Country championships.

Fresh from winning both the national cross country and Discovery Cross country, Kelvin Kiprop won the 8km under 20 men title at the 4^th edition of Sirikwa Cross Country championships at the Lobo Village in Eldoretr, uasin Gishu County.

Kelvin said: “I am happy to have been consistent this season. Winning at Iten gave me confidence in my training program. Because there were very many talented athletes I now have Chepsaita, National and Sirikwa titles under my belt. Now I start focusing in the 1,500m and 5,000m to ensure that I make to the world championships competing with seniors is not easy but my coach Barnaba Kitilit will guide me on how I will execute the races.”

Second placed Franklin Kibet said: “I am happy this is my first podium finish this cross country season. I believe I have the proper build up to prepare for 10,000.”

In the 6km under 20, Cynthia Chepkirui won the title edging out Joyline Jepkemoi who came second.

The champion said: “I started the season out of podium and in Machakos I was 9th and started finishing at the podium at Bomet where I finished third. I later won the national title and Discovery my focus is to qualify for the Africa Championships in the 5,000m,” she said.

Jepkemoi said: “I started my season where I finished position 6.from there my performance has steadily improved and I am happy. I will focus on qualifying for the Africa Championships in the 1,500m and 5,000m. It’s going to be tricky season for me because I’m a form four candidates at AIC Cheptonon, Nandi county.”

Selected results

6km under 20 women

1. Cynthia Chepkurui 20:37
2. Joyline Chepkemoi 20:40
3. Diana Chepkemoi 20:50
4. Lonah Cherono 20:59
5. Risper Cherop (UGA) 21:17
6. Mercy jelimo 21:18
7. Nowel Cheruto (UGA) 21:22
8. Florence Chepkoech 21:22
9. Dorcus Chepkwemoi 21:24
10. Winny Chepteek 21:25

8km under 20 men

1. Kevin Kiprop Biwott 24:24
2. Frankline Chebet Kibet 24:27
3. Festus Kimorwo 24:27
4. Emmanuel Kipkorir Kiprono 24:27
5. Nehemiah Kirui Kipngeno  24:44
6. Antony Kibiwott 24:51
7. Charles Kiboino 24:54
8. Abraham Cherotich (UGA) 24:59
9. Brian Kiptoo 25:01
10. Andrew Kiptoo Kiprop 25:06