Mariam Njoki Lufti, formerly Christine Njoki, successfully defended her Discovery Kenya Cross Country title after cruising to victory in the 8km senior women’s race as Kelvin Kiplagat denied Cornelius Kemboi a third straight title as the championships marked their 35th edition at Eldoret Sports Club today.
Njoki stopped the clock at 28:02.8, edging out Bungoma-based newcomer Diana Cheroben who finished second in 28:27.0, while Immaculate Jepkosgei from Nandi County completed the podium in 28:56.6.
The athlete, who switched her allegiance to Qatar last year, said her main target was to defend her title after missing the World Cross Country Championships held on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, due to the nationality switch.
“My aim was to defend my title, and I did that very well. I have improved this season through consistency and discipline. From the start, I was well prepared after seeing a strong line-up, and I worked my way to win,” said Njoki, who trains in Iten.
She added that she is still waiting for official communication regarding her competition programme.
“For now, I don’t have any plans as I await official communication following my switch of allegiance. By next month, I should know my programme. Running for Qatar is better because competition for major championships in Kenya is very tough. The nationality switch affected my chance to compete at the World Cross Country Championships,” she explained.
Cheroben, who is transitioning from the 1,500m to longer distances, was pleased with her performance.
“The race was good and I thank God for the position. It was my first time competing here and my preparations were good. This season, I want to focus more on the 5,000m on the track instead of the 1,500m,” said Cheroben.
In the 10km senior men’s race, Kelvin Kiplagat denied Cornelius Kemboi a third straight title after winning in 31:25.7.
Kiplagat, who trains at Sinonin Training Camp in Baringo County under coach Barnaba Kitilit, said his preparation gave him confidence heading into the race.
“The race was very competitive, but my preparations were good. We trained alongside Gideon Rono and Ishmael Kipkurui. I prayed to God to assist me because the competition was very tough,” said Kiplagat.
Kemboi, who settled for second place, said the result was part of his build-up for the season.
“Finishing second is not bad after failing to defend my title. This is part of my preparations for the Diamond League and the Commonwealth Games. I had taken a break after the World Championships, and this was my second race after Tokyo,” said Kemboi.
In the 6km under 20 women’s race, Venenza Chebet claimed victory after clocking 21:33.1. The Form Three student at Kongit Secondary School in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, finished ahead of Ruth Muthoni (21:59.8), while Linda Chepkwemoi was third in 22:07.5.
Coached by veteran athlete Shem Kororia, Chebet said the win came as a surprise.
“I was not planning to win; I just wanted to try my best after seeing my friends represent the country in major events. This is my first win. Last year, I finished eighth here,” she said.
In the 8km under 20 men’s race, Africa Under-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Nicholas Ktum Losiwareng claimed the title in 25:38.8. He finished ahead of Meshack Kipruto and Wesley Kiplagat, who also posted strong performances.
“The race was difficult, but I won well. This is my first time winning a cross-country race after coming from West Pokot, where I school at Lemukei Secondary School. I came well prepared and determined because I usually run from behind,” said Ktum.
Selected results
6km under 20 women
- Venenza Chebet-21:33.1
- Ruth Muthoni 21:59.8
- Linda Chepkwemoi 22:07.5
- Fancy Chepkorir 22:22.6
- Felister Chepkemoi 22:29.0
- Millicent jepkonga 22:38.8
- Faith Jeptum 22:41.7
- Abigail Chebet 22:54.3
- Vivian Chepkobus 22:57.5
- Kesiah Chebet (Uganda) 22:57.5
8km under 20 men
- Nicholas Ktum Losiwareng 25:38.8
- Meshack Kipruto 25:35.0
- Wesley Kiplagat 25:38.0
- Cornelius Kibichii 25:48.5
- Enock Tuitoek 25:49.9
- Peter naibei 25:51.2
- Brian Kiptoo Ngetich 25:52.0
- Shadrack Kiprop kemboi 26:53.2
- Andrew Kiptoo Akori 26:53.2
- Allan Kwemoi 26:09.1
8km senior women
- Mariam Lufti Njoki (Qatar) 28:02.8
- Diana Cheroben 28:27.0
- Immaculate Jepkosgei 28:56.6
- Vivian Cherotich 29:03.7
- Jane Chepkemoi 29:10.00
- Phena Yego 29:27.2
- Joan Jepkosgei 29:27.2
- Mercy Chepsoyo 29:43.9
- Lucy Chelele 29:57.7
- Brenda Chebet 29:52.0
10km senior men
- Kelvin Kiplagat 31:25.7
- Cornelius Kemboi 31:30.0
- Gideon Kipkertich Rono 31:22.27
- Michael Kibet 31:37.4
- Dennis Kipkogei 31:39.6
- Cornelius Konor 31:41.5
- Robert Kiptanui 31:48.2
- Charles katul 31:57.6
- Amos Kiprotich 32:00.1
- Cyrus Kipkemoi 32:02.0