Delvin Meringor and Kennedy Kimengw’a braved the scorching sun to win the Western Region Athletics Kenya cross country titles held at Kapsokwony High school grounds in MT Elgon, Bungoma County.
Felix Kibet and Grace Loibach dominated the juniors’ races ahead of national championships cum national trials ahead of Africa Cross country championships in Lome, Togo
The double Chemususu half marathon champion Meringor who competed for Bungoma County faced off with her training mate Beatrice Cherubet and Salome Chepchumba in 36:42.64 ahead of Cherubet’s 37:19.11 before Chepchumba completing the podium in 38:58.55.
Targeting to run for Kenya at the Africa cross country championships, Meringor said: “I have had good training and the results have proved that I am ready for big challenges ahead of me. My target is to represent the country at the Africa championships.”
Kimengw’a won the title in 31:28.71 ahead of Godfrey Musanga (31:30.52) and Jacob Cheshari returning third with 31:33.97.
Loibach won the 6km title in 21:57:28 ahead of home girl Christine Chesiro (22:07.76) and Miriam Chebet in a race that attracted only six runners.
Kibet won the title in 25:22.24 ahead of Caleb Machas (26:36.34) and Dalmas Ndiema’s 26:45.24.
“As a region, we have great athletes and the four will deliver great results at the nationals. We have a very great junior team and we are sure we will offer health competition,” said Kipsang.
Selected results
6km junior women
1. Grace Loibach- 21:57.48
2. Christine Chesiro- 22:07.76
3. Miriam Chebt – 22:1416
4. Janet Jepkoech- 22:24.64
5. Nancy Cheruto- 22:56.08
8km junior men
1. Felix Kibet- 25:3.24
2. Caleb Machas- 26:36.34
3. Dalmas Ndiema- 26:45.24
4. Jonatahn Kipkoech- 26:56.41
5. Isaac Mateiko- 27:13.61
10km senior women
1. Delvine Meringor- 36:42.64
2. Beatrice Cherubet- 37:19.11
3. Salome Chepchumba- 38:58.55
4. Sarah Naibei- 39:28.74
5. Susan Chemai- 41:42.05
10km senior men
1. Kennedy Kimengw’a- 31:28.71
2. Godfrey Musanga- 31:30.52
3. Jacob Cheshari- 31:33.97
4. Isaac Kibet- 31:36.81
5. Samuel Limo- 32:00.52.
more to follow