Chebet, Kipruto win Cross Country Championship

Rhenox Kipruto and Sandra Chebet overcame hot weather to win the 10th edition of the Isaiah Kiplagat  Ndalaat Gaa Cross Country Championship held at the Ndalaat Gaa Girls High School in Nandi County.

Kipruto, the World U-20 10,000m gold medallist overcame stiff challenge from Abraham Kiptum to clock 30:52.4, with the latter clocking 31:29.8. Julius Tanki clocked 31:29.6 to settle for third position.

“It was not easy for me from an off season period to winning this race, but it was great, ” Kipruto said after his victory.

Kiptum, fresh from taking part in last month’s Copenhagen Half Marathon, said: “I have not recovered from last month’s race and the heat was too much.”

Chebet a winner in last year’s edition overcame a headache and stiff challenge from Delvin Meringor to win in 27:53.8. Meringor had led the race for the first 7km before Chebet’s experience and expertise  prevailed.

“The headache slowed me down, but I thank God, I almost fell down that’s why I had to slow and picked up later after improving,” Said chebet.

“My coach Kimei inspired me to go on when my body had said no, I am now targeting to make next year’s Kenyan team to World Cross Country Championship,”noted Chebet.

Meringor clocked 28:05.0 to finish second ahead of Norah Jeruto in 28:16.2 who came third.

In the 8km junior men’s race, 17-year- old Bravin Kiptoo clocked 25:09.6 to claim the honours ahead of Edwin Kiplagat (25:12.0) and Gideon Rono in 25:16.6.

“I never expected to win. My aim was to finish in the top 10, I don’t even have a coach but my brother Rhonex Kipruto who is currently at home inspired me a lot,” said kiptoo.

In the 6km junior women race, Beatrice Chebet, the world 3000m under -20 champion easily beat Betty Chepkemoi of Kapsabet while Mercy Chepkorir, the world U-18 steeplechase silver medallist took the third position.

“I was here to test myself but my main aim is the World Cross Country. Despite the sun here I had to show my coach and fans I’m in shape,”added Chebet.

The annual event, now in its 10th year was renamed Isaiah kiplagat Memorial Ndalaat Gaa Cross Country Championship in honour of  the departed long serving Athletics Kenya president who is also the race founder.

10km senior men

1. Rhonex kipruto 30:52.4
2. Abraham kiptum 31:23.8
3. Julius taking 31:29.6

8k junior men

1. Bravin Kiptoo 25:09.6
2. Edwin Kiplagat 25:12.6
3. Gedion Rono 25:16.6

6km junior women

1. Beatrice Chebet (u20 world champion 3000m) 21:20.9
2. Betty Chepkemoi 21:31.1
3. Mercy Chepkorir (u18 steeplechase silver medallist) 21:40.9