Kemboi retain title as Njoki, Chepkurui and Kiplimo win Discovery Kenya titles

Cornelius Kemboi and Christine Njoki were the winners of the 34^th edition of Discovery Kenya Cross Country championships held today at the Eldoret Sports Club, the venue for the 2025 National Cross country championships next month.

Kemboi managed to retain the title he won last year when he cut the tape at 30:44.08 ahead of former national cross country champion Samuel Chebolei Masai (30:45.2) and Titus Kiprotich Kibet who completed the podium at 30:55.1.

Kemboi said that defending his title was a good thing “I came here to show that I can defend my title and I did it even after running with great and experienced athletes. The race was very tactical but I had to run well. I tried to run from the front that I managed to win,” said Kemboi who is preparing to compete either at the national championships or Sirikwa Classic.

Apart from the cross country, Kemboi wants to represent kenya at the World championships set for Tokyo, Japan come August.

“I ran in Bundapest world championships then I missed an Olympic slot therefore I reaaly want to be in the team to Tokyo,” said Kemboi.

Chebole said that he will be missing the national championships since he will be  engaged with an international race on the same weekend of February 8^th.

“I am contended with position two today after cheering me on,” said Chebolei.

Coming from Cherangany, Njoki managed to win her maiden Discovery race after finishing third in 2023

“The race was tough but I was well prepared because all athletes I saw, we have been running together. My focus now is national to make Kenya team,” said Njoki, who was third in 2023 before her maiden win today at the championships.

Reline, who won the Abu Dhabi marathon in December said that she expected to retain her title.

“My target was to retain my title but that did not happen but finishing second was  a good thing,” said the world half marathon bronze medalist ahead of national championships.

Njoki won the title in 27:22.4 following by Reline at 27:50.1 and Maurine Jepkoech Chebor coming in third position timing 28:08.4

In the junior categories, Cynthia Chepkirui and Hillary Kiplimo were the winners in the 6km and 8km women and men respectively.

Selected results

10km senior men

1. Cornelius Kemboi 30:44.8
2. Samuel Chebolei  30:45.4
3. Titus Kiprotich Kibet 30:55.1
4. Kenneth Kiprono Lagat  31:03.5
5. Brian Bor 31:14.2
6. Victor Kibet Ngeno 31:17.7
7. Edwin Kiptoo 31:18.3
8. Weldon Kipkurui Langat 31:19.3
9. Nicholas Kiplimo 31:26.3
10. Abraham Sitienei Kirwa 31:29.3

8km senior women

1. Christine Njoki Nalimo-27:22.4
2. Catherine Reline Demangole 27:50.1
3. Maurine Jepkoech Chebor 28:08.4
4. Jane Ghat 28:18.2
5. Caren Chebet 28:21.3
6. Joyline Chepkemoi 28:27.1
7. Gladys Chepkurui 28:31.0
8. Sheila Chepkirui 28:56.2
9. Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo 28:57.0
10. Nancy Jepkemei 28:30

8km junior women

1. Hillary Kiplimo 24:52.0
2. Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi 25:02.6
3. Edwin Elkana 25:13.0
4. Frankline Kibet Chebet 25:27.5
5. Andrew Kiptoo Kiprop 25:36.9
6. Kipkandie Mkulia 25:42.2
7. Peter Pangai Lomurian 25:42.0
8. Ismail Kiptoo 25:56.2
9. Lawrence Kipchirchir 25:57.4
10. Arnold Kipruto 26:00.2

6km junior women

1. Cynthia Chepkurui 21:16.1
2. Lonah Cherono 21:30.1
3. Diana Chepkemoi 21:41.7
4. Florence Chepkoech 21:45.6
5. Miriam Kibet Chemutai 21:56.0
6. Sharon Chepkemoi 22:01.0
7. Cynthia Chepkorir Kimutai 22:01.6
8. Damaris Chepngetich 22:14.1
9. Fancy Chepkirir 22:18.8
10. Mercy Jelimo 22:24.0