Victorious Obiri eyes more glory at National XC

World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri and Kibiwott Kandie are the winners of the 38th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Cross Country Championship.

Obiri, the 5000m Commonwealth champion, broke away from the pack in the second lap and stormed on to victory in 32:19.5 ahead of Irene Kimais (33:01.6) and Deborah Samum (33:43.3).

After her victorious display at the Kahawa Garrison, Obiri said her focus was on the upcoming National Cross Country championship that will also be used as trials for the World event.

“Cross Country title is what I am now looking for. I have shelved out the World Indoors just to concentrate on the Cross and I hope I will do well in the trials so that I can get a slot to represent Kenya,” Obiri said.

Kamais on her part who was making her maiden appearance in the competition said she is also eyeing a slot in team Kenya for the global championships to be held in Aarhus, Denmark in March 30.

In the men category, Ngong-based Kandie of Embakasi took the honours in 28:55.7 in what was his debut in the military competition.

” I will now train hard in readiness for the trials because my main aim is to make to the team for Denmark,” said.

Kapsakwony Athletics Kenya (AK) cross country meet winner, Lawi Komen of Moi Airbase and also trains at Ngong settled for the second place in 29:01.4 as Vedic Cheruiyot of Mtongwe closed the podium.

LEADING RESULTS

Women 10km

1 Hellen Obiri 32:19.5

2 Irene Kimais 33:01.6

3 Deborah Samum 33:34.3

4 Dorcas Kimeli 33:40.0

5 Caroline Chepkemoi 33:51.4

6 Mercy Wanjiru 33:52.3

Men 10km

1 Kibiwott Kandie 28:55.7

2 Lawi Komen 29:01.4

3 Vedic Cheruiyot 29:03.7

4 Jairus Songok 29:09.1

5 Stephen Arita 29:29.0

6 Vincent Mutai 29:29.6