Brillian Jepkorir, Daniel Ebenyo dominate National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 08.02.25. | 22:04
Jepkorir of Kenya Prisons crossed the line in 34:29:1 while Simiu who plies his trade for Kenya Police won in 30:48:0
Brillian Jepkorir and Daniel Ebenyo Simiu delivered a stunning performance to be crowned the winners of the senior women’s and men’s categories of the National Cross Country Championships held on Saturday 8 February at the Eldoret Sports Club.
The event was graced by top dignitaries, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat, and legendary athlete Kipchoge Keino, among others.
Jepkorir of Kenya Prisons crossed the line in 34:29:1 while Simiu who plies his trade for Kenya Police won in 30:48:0.
The women’s final kilometre was fiercely contested, but Jepkorir emerged victorious, marking a remarkable return from maternity leave. She finished ahead of Maureen Jepkoech who came in second in 34:32:7 while Stacy Ndiwa completed the podium in 34:54:5.
Speaking after the race, a visibly overjoyed Jepkorir expressed her gratitude, noting that her next venture will be gracing international half marathons.
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"I am glad to finally land a gold medal for Kenya Prisons. It has been God. My coach is planning my races, but God willing, I'll do more half marathons," she said.
On her side, Jepkoech said the second-place finish was a dream come true. She faced an early setback when her name was initially missing from the start list, causing a brief moment of confusion.
However, the issue was swiftly resolved, allowing her to compete and claim the second position.
"I thank God for good health and to get to this point. I was in position two. I was not on the start list initially, but I was eventually brought in. It was a bit of confusion, but I did it," she averred.
Ndiwa acknowledged the tough weather conditions of the race, saying, "It was very hard because it was hot and very sunny, but I am grateful that I made it."
In the men’s category, Simiu continued his fine form, securing victory after previously winning the National Police Cross Country Championships in January.
He overpowered race favourite Kibiwott Kandie on the hilly sections, taking control with one kilometre to go. In his signature style, he began celebrating and waving to the audience before crossing the finish line.
Kandie, known for his remarkable half-marathon record of 57:32, was unable to match Simiu’s strength on the tough terrain and came in at position six.
Nickson Kogei finished second in 30:52:6 with Simon Ngatha Mungai completing the podium in 30:58:7.
Reflecting on his victory, Simiu said, "I thank God for this win. The competition has not been easy because it was the best of the best in every region. It was a very tough race with ups and downs, but I thank God I won.
The course was not easy, and at the end of the day, there has to be a winner. Today’s win is a preparation for the Seoul Marathon in Korea, and I am going for the podium."
With the National Cross Country Championships concluded, all eyes now turn to the Sirikwa World Cross Country Gold Tour, set for Saturday 22 February at the Lobo Village.
Collated Results
6km junior women
1. Lorna Cherono (North Rift) 21:11.7
2. Joyline Chepkemoi (Central Rift) 21:15.6
3. Cynthia Chepkurui (Nairobi) 21:21.1
4. Diana Chepkemoi (Nairobi) 21:33.7
5. Caren Chepchirchir Serem (Central) 21:40.6
8km junior men
1. Kelvin Kiprop (Central Rift) 24:57.4
2. Frankline Kibet Chebet (North Rift) 24:59.3
3. Emmanuel Lemiso Someki (South Rift) 25:00.0
4. Emmanuel KipronoKipkorir (North Rift) 25:04.4
5. Elkana David Sanutia (Nairobi) 25:19.2
10km senior women
1. Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech (Kenya Prisons) 34:29.1
2. Maurine Jepkoech Chebor (North Rift) 34:32:7
3. Stacy Ndiwa (Kenya Police) 34:54.5
4. Joyciline Jepkosgei (KDF) 35:09.1
5. Susy Chebet Chemaiyak (Police) 35:16.1
10km senior men
1. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (Police) 30:48.0
2. Nickson Kogei (KWS) 30:52.6
3. Simon Ngatha Mungai (Central) 30:55.7
4. Weldon Kipkurui Langat (KWS) 30:58.7
5. Titus Kiprotich Kibet (North Rift) 30:59.0
