Kasait, Bett triumph in Wareng Cross Country race

Former World Youth 3,000m champion Lilian Kasait and Emmanuel Bett were crowned the champions of the 2017 Tuskys Wareng Cross Country Championships held on Sunday in Eldoret.

At the same time,  reigning world under- 18  bronze medallist in the 1,500m Ednah Jebitok and upstart Robert Kiprop shone in junior races.

Kasait, the 2013 World Junior 3,000m champion returned to the course for the second time; winning in both races. Last year, she won in 6km junior women and following her graduation into the senior, she did not disappoint as she won the 10km senior race in 33:54.4.

Despite sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at Kenswed High School, Kasait said she knows how to balance between education and co-curriculum activities.

“I came here with the sole purpose of winning the race, to add to what I got last year as a junior. The race was too challenging but I managed to endure for a win,” said the reigning world cross country silver medalist.

She managed to beat experienced 2016 Barcelona Marathon champion Valarie Aiyabei Jemeli and former Commonwealth Youth champion and 2015 champion, Stacy Ndiwa.

Jemeli, who finished third at the Berlin Marathon crossed the finish line in 34:23.2 as Ndiwa, the former World Cross Country silver medalist for to third 34:35.1.

The trio faced off, stepping into each others’ feet but her track experience was well used as her speed to win the race.

“I also want to try my best in Africa Cross Country and Commonwealth Games ,”added Kasait.

It was two horse race in men’s 10km race, as position one and two were taken by brothers Emmanuel Bett and Josephat Kipchirchir, with Alfred Barkach in between.

Kibet, the young brother to Kipchirchir , won the race timing 30:00.08 with Barkach in second at 30:01.9 and Kipchirchir 30:02.1.

West Pokot based runners Robert Kiprop and Michael Kibet were the winners of 8km junior men. Coming from Chewoyet High School, Kiprop cut the tape at 24:05.3, followed by school mate Kibet, timing 24:05.9, before Bethwel Kipkemoi (24:31.6).

After scooping bronze at the 2017 World Under 18 Championships in Nairobi, the class seven pupil at Keringet Primary School Ednah Jebitok, won the 6 km junior women followed by Deborah Chemutai, the Sotik Cross Country third finisher.