Kamworor bags record eighth straight National Police XC crown

Kamworor bags record eighth straight National Police XC crown

The last seven men’s titles at the National Police Service Cross Country championships have been won by one man and that streak was stretched further on Friday as the invincible Geoffrey Kamworor won his eighth crown at the Ngong Race Course.

Kamworor, the World Cross Country bronze medallist, was only returning to competitive action after being involved in a minor accident last year but showed no weakness as he led from gun to tape finishing the race in 29:22.3.

Josephat Kipkoech (29:52.6) and Casius Masinde (30:13.0) finished a distant second and third respectively.

“I am excited to be racing once again after a year in which it was a very tough one for me with the pandemic having ravaged almost the entire season. Today I was coming to test the level of my fitness and I am now feeling okay which is a sign of a great season ahead,” said Kamworor.

Kamworor attributed his dominance of the event to hard work and determination.

“I think it is just a matter of focus, hard work and determination and also self belief. For me I am always determined to achieve my targets and that has really pushed me over the years,” he said.

Having been confirmed for the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon set for February 19, Kamworor hinted he might skip the National Cross Country championships scheduled for February 13.

The 28-year-old christened the man of all surfaces due to his versatility across various disciplines has also stated that he will be in contention for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

“My priority for this year is to compete at the Olympic Games and can confirm for sure that I will participate in 10,000m,” said Kamworor.

It was a similar script in the women’s race as Chelangat dominated from start to finish cutting the tape in 33:34.6 ahead of former world 3000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng who placed second in 33:39.8 as Edith Chelimo came home third in 33:40.5

Chelangat who is also the reigning national cross country champion said she had prepared adequately for the race as she picked where she left from the Athletics Kenya meet held in Mosoriot last month.

“I knew it was going to be tough especially in this course but I am happy I won today. My aim is to defend my title before I switch my focus to Diamond League meetings. I am also eyeing the Olympic Games and I will be seeking to qualify in 5000m,” said Chelangat who trains in Kericho.

The Law enforcers were also using the annual event to pick their team for the national championships slated for February 13.

 

Collated Results

10km men

1. Geoffrey Kamworor 29:22.3

2. Josephat Kipkoech 29:52.6

3. Casius Masinde 30:13.0

4. Joseph Kiptum 30:14.8

5. Kipsang Temoi 30:22.7

6. Kenneth Cheserek 30:24.9

 

10k senior women

1. Sheilah Chelangat 33:34.6

2. Hyvin Kiyeng 33:39.8

3. Edith Chelimo 33:40.5

4. Margaret Chelimo 33:48.8

5. Faith Kimutai 34:44.5

6. Caroline Nyagah 34:47.7

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Geoffrey Kamworor

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