Former Bodabon 10km champion Emmanuel Kipchirchir and little known Dorcas Jepchirchir were the winners of the 29th edition of University of Eldoret cross country championships ran on Saturday 26th at the university’s pavilion.
Kipchirchir wited till the last 5km to outsprint Africa Junior cross country junior champion Nicholas Kimeli, who has returned from IAAF world championships in Doha, Qatar as well as Michael Kibet to win to become the 29th winner of one of the oldest races in the region.
The 2018 Berlin 10km champion cut the tape in 26:44.7 ahead of Kimeli, who won last year’s Ndalat Gaa cross country title to second timing 26:56.2 and Robert Kiprop ending the podium in 27:01.2.
The Worburg 10km champion said he registered his maiden said the race was tough but maintained his speed to win.
“I was not sure of winning the racing after a stellar lineup was read at the start line. Am focus now is to train well as I look forward for good road race in December,” said Kipchirchir.
Jepchirchir won the women’s 10km title in 30:26.3 ahead of Lilian Chebii 31.16.9 followed in third by Nancy Chepkemei 31.17.3.
In junior races, Africa under 18 silver medalist Jackline Jerono, fresh from winning Ndalat gaa cross country won the 6km while Shadrack Kipchirchir took the 8km junior mens title.
Selected results
10km senior men
- Emmanuel Kipchirchir- 26:44.7
- Nicholas Kimeli- 26:56.2
- Robert Kiprop- 27:01.2
- Frankline Ngelel- 27:”03.4
- Michael Kibet- 27:07.3
- Rodgers Maiyo- 27:07.0
10km senior women
- Dorcas Jepchirchir- 30:26.3
- Lilian Chebii- 31:16.1
- Nancy Chepkemei- 31:17.3
- Nesphine Jepleting- 31:28.3
- Gladys Kiprono- 31:56.6
- Josephine Chelang’a- 32:17.1
6km junior women
- Jackline Jerono-18:34.7
- Mercy Jerop- 18:49.7
- Fancy Cherono-19:01.4
- Sharon Chemweno- 19:07.4
- Sheila Chebiwott- 19:09.2
- Mercy Jepkorir- 19:11.2
8km junior men
- Shadrack Kipchirchir-21:29.1
- Weldon Kipkorir- 21:35.8
- Reuben Longosiwa- 29:31.9
- Bravin Kogei- 21:44.8
- Daniel Meteko- 21:46.0
- Brian Limo- 21:48.2