Mary Nyaruai and Julius Tanki were the winners of 10km senior women and men races respective as Athletics Kenya cross country meeting kicked off today in Machakos.
World Under 20 3,000m steeplechase champion and Emmaculate Anyango emerged victorious in 8km and 6km junior men and women categories respectively.
Nyahururu’s Nyaruai cut the tape in 36:07.4 followed by compatriot Mary Njau in 36:26.7 as Jarinta Mawia settled third in 36:37.8.
In men’s race, Tanki floored his opponents to carry the title timing 30:26.90 edged out Reuben Korir to second place in 31:10.96 as Isaac Yego romped home third in 31:13.08.
Emmaculate Anyango from Bomet was the surprise winner of 6km junior women title.
The Siaya born runner romped into victory in 20:49.79 ahead of Margaret Akidor from Mfae in 20:59.82 as home athlete Desma Chepkoech settled third in 21:12.20.
But the script was well read in 8km junior men when the reigning World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Bett won the race.
Bett defeated Youth Olympics 3,000m champion Jackson Kavesa and Edwin Kiplagat to claim victory in 23:50.25 as Kavesa settled second in 23:54.51 as Kiplagat finished third in 24:07.42.