Former Africa Games 5,000m champion Robert Kiprop and Gladys Chepkurui have set their sight on World Cross Country and Copenhagen half marathon respectively.
Speaking following their victory at the 4th edition of Betika Uasin Gishu half marathon in Eldoret today, the champions said that competing in local races is better as part of their training for big international races.
Men winner Kiprop, who missed the World Athletics championships set for Tokyo next month due to sickness said that he has another chance to represent the country at the world cross country championships set for USA next year.
“I was supposed to be part of the team to Oregon for World Championships qualifiers but I was sick, hence missing out. But now that I am out of danger, I will be competing in various cross country meetings ahead of World Cross Country championships,” said Kiprop.
“My focus now shifts to world cross country next year. Now I am going to discuss with my coach and focus on the world cross country,” he said.
Kiprop, an all surface runner, from road to cross country and track, clocked 60:00.56 for the title ahead of Peter Tuitoek who came second with 60:58.05 and Titus Kiprotich completing the podium at 61:05.0.
Last year, the Iten based runner in Elgeyto Marakwet County finished 10th said th day’s victory was a plus in his career as he shifts focus in cross country, chasing the ticket to USA.
“I was not happy with last year’s results so we went back into training to redeem our image under coach John Ewoi for today’s victory. I enjoyed the weather condition unlike last year’s sunny,” said Kiprop.
The women winner Chepkurui, who was third last year, returned with winning mentality that she achieved as she aims to compete at Copenhagen half marathon come October.
“The competition was tough and coming as the winner it was good. Last year I came third, went into serious training and the results are great,” she said.
“This was part of my training ahead of Copenhagen half marathon come,” she said.
Selected results
Men
- Robert Kiprop 60:00.56
- Peter Tuitoek 60:58.05
- Titus Kiprotich 61:05.0
- Charles Yosei Mneira 61:07.8
- Joshua Githogo 61:10.9
- Mathew Kimeli 61:12.1
- Philemon Kiprotich 61:19.3
- Wesley Kipkemoi 61:37.0
- Jonathan Kamison 61:57.8
- Gideon Kiprop 62:00.3
Women
- Gladys Chepkurui 68:56
- Vivian Cherotich 70:02
- Christine Ndabi 70:27
- Regina Cheptoo 70:41
- Joan Chepkosgei 71:30
- Janet Kiptoo 71:45
- Sharon Kiptugen 72:02
- Purity Koech 72:04
- Lucy Chelele 72:39
- Rael Cherop 72:43