Athletes from Lemotit Camp dominate in second AK track and field meet

Youngster Teresa Cherotich and Diana Chepkemoi went home smiling after emerging victorious in the 10,000m and 5,000m of the second leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) track and field meet held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.

The event that was set to kick off on Friday at the Thika Municipal Stadium was moved to the Ulinzi following heavy rains that rendered the facility not fit to host the event.

Further, AK changed the venue in the interest of the welfare of the athletes after receiving feedback from the first weekend meeting that was held last weekend at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

17-year-old Cherotich of Lemotit camp in Kericho clocked 33:57:5 ahead of Mercy Chemtai of South Rift who timed 33:59.5.

Mercy Chepkorir who also trains at the Lemotit Camp completed the podium in 34:29.5.

Speaking after the impressive finish, Cherotich was grateful for the triumph, noting that she aims to represent the country in the upcoming World Under-20 Athletics Championships slated for August 26-31, 2024 in Lima, Peru.

"It was very chilly but I managed. I thank my coach Paul Kemei from Lemwotit camp for training me. I also thank God for the win. I am targeting the World U20 and World Cross Country," she breathlessly said.

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At the same time, 16-year-old Chepkemoi outclassed a strong contingent to emerge victorious in the women's 5000m race.

The youngster was fresh from a second-place finish in the Chepsaita Cross Country meet held on December 2 in Chepsaita, Uasin Gishu county. She has also impressed in the Iten and Machakos Cross Country meet.

On her side, the youngster was pleased with the training at the Lemwotit camp, pointing out that she aimed to win Kenya gold in future World Cross Country Championships.

"I feel good. The race was awesome. I enjoyed it. Training from my coach has been top-notch. If I continue training that way, I will register a world record. I am targeting World Cross Country and bringing cold to Kenya," she offered.

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After the Ulinzi Sports Complex event, athletes will break for the festive season before the action moves to Nyayo Stadium on January 5 and 6, 2024.

Next year promises even better tidings for athletics fans who can anticipate a busy track season that will commence at the African Games in March and will climax at the Paris Olympics. in August.