Mutiso, Vaati toast to victories in Cross Country trials

Alexander Mutiso and Naomi Vaati won the men and women’s 10 kilometres races at the Cross Country trials for the Southern Region held on Saturday at Nguluni in Machakos County.

Mutiso beat a packed field to hit the tape in 31 minutes, 12.86 seconds, ahead of Stephen Mwendwa (31.29.94) and Joseph Mutwanthei (31.33.1), while Vaati led the women cast, crossing the finish line in 35 minutes, 51.58 seconds. She was followed by Grace Muvuthye in 35.56.03, and Eunice Mutie in third place at 36.07.12.

The top-three finishers in each category were selected to represent the Southern Region in the upcoming Cross Country championship slated for February 10.

Athletics Kenya vice-president Paul Mutwii said that the aim of the venture was to tap talents from the village level hence the decision to take the event to Nguluni and not Machakos town.

Mutiso who won the men’s 10km said that the terrain was one of the best for training, adding that he has been preparing for the Spain-Half Marathon set for  February 4.

He nonetheless maintains he’ll be back in time for the national trials in readiness for the African Championships set for Chlef, Algeria.

He added that he has done several races; some in Japan and locally; like the Thange race which was held in Kibwezi last month, which he won. He also came third in the  Imenti race.

Vaati, for her part, said that she has not participated in many races but was optimistic that she will be in the team Kenya that will head to Algeria for African Championship.

Summarised results

10km men

1. Alexander Mutiso- 31.12.86
2. Stephen Mwendwa -31.29.94
3. Joseph Mutwanthei -31.33.16

10km women

1. Naomi Vaati- 35.51.58
2. Grace Muvuthye- 35.56.03
3. Eunice Mutie -36.07.12

8km Men

1. Jackson Kavesa -24.55.70
2. Bernard Musau -24.57.16
3. Phillip Mulei- 25.03.86

6km Junior Women

1. Agnes Mwikali- 21.13.31
2. Josphine Syombua- 21.43.23
3. Mutheu Muteti -21.55.52