World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Purity Jepkirui won the 2km loop that was used to select the African Cross Country relay team during the Sirikwa Cross Country.
Wanyonyi, a former world under 20 800m champion said: “I am happy with my performance. I’m yet to know which race I will start with a win.”
Wanyonyi won the title in 5:41.2 ahead of Victor Kipkirui (5:42.1) and Edwin Kiprono (95:45.9).
Langat observed: “I am motivated by today’s performance. It tells me I can do well in the 800m.”
Jepkirui, who is returning from an injury, is happy to have run a trouble-free race.
“I was testing myself as I start the season on my first year in the senior ranks,” said Jepkirui, who won the title in 6:29.6 ahead of Miriam Cherop in 6:39.3 and Eveline Chepkoech in 6:47.1.
Cherop is happy with how her body responded, giving her a good start for the season with focus on the African Games in Accra, Ghana in March and the Paris Olympics games in July-August.
Chepkoech, who woke up at 2 am to make it in time for the event, was elated with how the race went
Selected results
2Km loop women
1. Purity Jepkirui 6:29.6
2. Miriam Cherop 6:39.3
3. Evalyn Cheekoech 6:47.1
4. Winfred Mbithe 6:48.8
5. Millicent Kemboi 6:52.1
6. Winnie Chebet 6:55.3
2Km loop men
1. Emmanuel Wanyonyi 5:41.2
2. Victor kipkirui 5:42.1
3. edwin Kiprono 5:45.9
4. Abel Kipsang 5:47.4
5. Newton kipkirui 5:48.0
6. Tamar Ethian 5:48.6