Kenya picks 60 athletes for World Schools Cross Country Champs

The national trials for the World School Cross Country Championships were held on Thursday at Nakuru High School in Nakuru where hundreds of students from around the country were vying for a chance to represent Kenya at the global competition.

Rift Valley region once again showed why they are the bedrock of athletics talent in the country, sweeping top accolades in all the categories including Under 12, Under 15 and Under 18.

The one-day trials got underway with the under 12 girls 1.1km race where Kericho’s Dorcas Chelagat clinched first place after clocking 03:46.0, ahead of the Bungoma pair of Belinda Chepkorir (03:46.6) and Joyline Jerotich (03:48.2) in second and third respectively.

In the under 12 boys’ race, Kabiyet Secondary student Ezron Kimurgor powered his way to the finish line in 03:34.0 as Uasin Gishu’s Benjamin Shikuku took second place in 03:39.3.

Nyanza’s Dominic Nyambuto finished third in 03:41.6.

Enjoyable race

In the under 15 girls’ 2.2km race, it was a memorable day for Rift Valley’s Faith Jeptum as she timed 07:14.3 to book her place at the World Schools Cross Country Championships.

She crossed the finish line ahead of Nakuru’s Jane Nangari (07:16.0) and Sandra Chepchumba of Kericho (07:17.5) in second and third respectively.

“I enjoyed the race…I came here expecting to win and fought hard for the victory. I was also in action at the Sirikwa Classic early in the year but compared to today’s race, I’d say this one was much more enjoyable and easy,” the Sinonin Secondary School student said.

The 14-year-old is looking forward to meeting her peers from other parts of the world and most importantly, to clinch her first career medal.

“I am looking forward to participate in the championships and do well. I know there are other runners from around the world and it will be a memorable moment to compete among them,” the 14-year-old said.

Elgeyo Marakwet’s Benson Kilongosi led a clean podium sweep for Rift Valley in the under 15 boys’ 3.3km race, clocking 10:01.4 in first place.

Baringo’s Peter Lumoryon claimed second place after timing 10:13.0 as another Elgeyo Marakwet native, Dennis Kiprop, took third in 10:18.0.

The Form Two student at Kimoron Boys High School described his delight at the prospect of making his debut for Team Kenya at the global championships.

“I have been competing in the regional championships since Form One. This year, I finished fourth in the regional championships and now I have come here and won. I am looking forward to winning a medal for the World Schools Cross Country Championships and I thank God for the far he has brought me,” Kilongosi said.

Also thanking God for the day’s successes was Joyline Chepkemoi who excelled in the Under 18 girls’ 3.3km race after timing 10:58.5 – ahead of Mirriam Chemtai (10:59.3) and Dorcas Chepkwemoi (11:01.6) in second and third respectively.

“First, I want to thank God for giving me the strength and good health to run here today. I also thank Him for enabling me to win and repaying me for the hard work I have been putting in training,” the youngster said.

Chepkemoi is hopeful of clinching a medal at the World Schools Cross Country Championships in what will be her third international event for Kenya.

“I was part of Team Kenya at the World Cross Country Championships last year as well as the Africa Under 20 Championships in Zambia. This time I promise my fellow countrymen and women that I will work hard to bring gold to the country,” she said.

The Under 18 boys’ 5.5km race was a titanic battle that was eventually edged by Rift Valley’s Phanuel Kipkosgei after clocking 16:20.4.

In second place was Eastern region's Nelson Simiren who timed 16:21.1 as Central's Bavin Muthii clocked 16:33.7 in third.

The Kimoron Boys High School student is intent on making amends on home soil after missing out on podium at his previous international assignment – the Africa Under 18 Championships in Ndola, Zambia.

"I want to go there and win gold for the country. It will be my second time competing at the international level, having competed at the Africa Under 18 championships last year in Zambia,"Kipkosgei said.

He added: “On that occasion, I failed to get a medal because I did not have any experience to compete at the international level. I believe I have now requisite experience to fight for a medal and I know a podium place is possible.”

Team selection

After a day of intense competition, the team to the global championships were named in which the top 10 finishers in each race were guaranteed a ticket.

Speaking after the naming of the team, Ministry of Education Principal Secretary Hon. Belio Kipsang congratulated all participants for giving their best.

He also credited the organisers for a job-well-done to ensure a successful national trials.

“I’d like to commend you all for the way you have given your all in today’s trials. I am impressed even by those among you who are fasting and are still able to compete well. We wish you all the best as you prepare and at the opportune time, the President of the Republic of Kenya shall meet you to flag you off for the championships,” the PS said.

The team will soon enter residential camp to commence preparations ahead of the championships, which has attracted 23 countries from around the world.

Boys under 12 (1.1km)

1.         Ezron Kimurgor (Rift Valley)

2.         Benjamin Shikuku (Rift Valley)

3.         Dominic Nyambuto (Nyanza)

4.         Joshua Cherobo (Western)

5.         Edwin Odinga (Western)

6.         Fobian Kiplangat (Western)

7.         Joshua Kiplimo (Western)

8.         Dennis Kipiwot (Rift Valley)

9.         Jaffin Ronny (Western)

10.       Derrick Shikuku (Western)

1.         Dorcas Chelagat (Rift Valley)

2.         Belinda Chepkorir (Western)

3.         Joyline Jerotich (Western)

4.         Sheila Chepkosgei (Rift Valley)

5.         Mitchel Chebet (Western)

6.         Ruth Cherotich (Western)

7.         Abigael Chelimo (Western)

8.         Rita Chemutai (Western)

9.         Sheila Chepkoech (Rift Valley)

10.       Ivy Chepkosgei (Rift Valley)

1.         Benson Kilongosi (Rift Valley)

2.         Peter Lumoryon (Rift Valley)

3.         Dennis Kiprop (Rift Valley)

4.         Solomon Kiprono (Rift Valley)

5.         Dan Kibet (Western)

6.         Samuel Otuta (Rift Valley)

7.         Cleophas Koromon (Rift Valley)

8.         Victor Kibet (Rift Valley)

9.         Ian Kipkoech (Elgeyo Marakwet)

10.       Davis Ingila (Western)

1.         Faith Jeptum (Rift Valley)

2.         Jane Nangari (Rift Valley)

3.         Sandra Chepchumba (Rift Valley)

4.         Gloria Chelimo (Rift Valley)

5.         Hazel Kipyegon (Rift Valley)

6.         Faith Chepkirui (Rift Valley)

7.         Esther Mwihaki (Rift Valley)

8.         Ebra Chebet (Rift Valley)

9.         Clare Cheruto (Rift Valley)

10.       Mitchel Jepchumba (Rift Valley)

1.         Phanuel Kipkosgei (Rift Valley)

2.         Nelson Simiren (Eastern)

3.         Bavin Muthii (Central)

4.         Kelvin Kiprop (Rift Valley)

5.         Bernard Kikumbi (Eastern)

6.         Brian Kiptoo Ng’etich (Rift Valley)

7.         Perminus Tinega (Nyanza)

8.         Elly Kiplimo (Western)

9.         Victor Kiptum (Rift Valley)

10.       Rooney Balala (Nyanza)

1.         Diana Chepkemoi

2.         Joyline Chepkemoi (Rift Valley)

3.         Mirriam Chemtai (Rift Valley)

4.         Dorcas Chepkwemoi (Western)

5.         Mary Nyaboke (Nyanza)

6.         Abigael Chebet (Rift Valley)

7.         Dorcas Isoe (Nyanza)

8.         Mirriam Wangui (Rift Valley)

9.         Venenza Chebet (Western)

10.       Sheila Chepngeno (Rift Valley)