Obiri, Kering win KDF Cross Country titles

World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri began 2018 in the same form she finished her previous year as she held off  World Half Marathon Champion Joyciline Jepkosgei to hold on to her the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Cross Country Championship title at the Moi Airbase in Nairobi.

Obiri stooped the timer in 33:32 to claim the top podium place as Jepkosgei followed in 33:38 Perine Nengampi completed the top three places in 33:57).

“The race was so competitive but I am happy to have won it. I had some pressure because I won it in 2014 and also last year. It is always hard to defend your title so I’m very grateful,” Obiri said after the race.

The Olympic silver medallist said she expects yet another golden season this year after clinching her first global title as well as a maiden Diamond League trophy in a hugely successful 2017 that saw her earn nomination for the IAAF Female Athlete of the Year.

“I am looking forward to do well in 2018 because there are a lot of competitions like the Commonwealth Games, the world indoors and the Intercontinental Cup. I will also look forward to do well in the Diamond League,” the 28-year-old stated.

In the men’s 10km race, Hillary Kering from Marsabit to emerged top after clocking 29:34 ahead of Frankline Ngelel (29:39) and John Chepkwony (29:48).

“It was a very tight race and I was not expecting to win because it had strong competitors. Am planning to take part in other competitions like the World Cross Country,” Kering said.

Organisers will use the competition to select a strong team that will represent the KDF in the forthcoming National Cross Country Championships.