Chepngetich, Bett carry the day at Machakos Cross Country

Athletics Kenya's 2022/23 season kicked off on Saturday 15 October with the first cross country event being held in Machakos. 

In a highly competitive senior women's 10km race, Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) Cynthia Chepngeno unleashed a lethal finishing kick to beat last year's winner Esther Borura to the tape. 

The Nyahururu-based Chepngeno clocked 33:48.8 to deny Borura a second consecutive title at Machakos People's Park and announce her switch to the senior level with a bang. Immaculate Anyango was third in 34:19.3. 

"It was not an easy race given the heat and the quality of the field. I am happy with the result, this being my first senior race. Last year I did not participate in the cross country series as I was in military training school. 

This victory goes to show that I am doing the right things in training. My focus for the season is to make the Kenyan team to the World Cross Country next year," an elated Chepngeno said. 

Borura, on her part, attributed her slow finish to a hip joint injury that has troubled her preparations since her Prague outing in August. 

"It was a good race but very competitive. When it came down to the final 100m I tried my best to kick but I was cautious not to aggravate anything. 

I am happy with second place and after testing my body, I am confident of a better show in Olkalau which will be my next race," Borura offered. 

In the men's senior race Kericho-based Edwin Bett timed 28:48.7 to beat Reuben Longosiwa (28:51.2) and Isaac Bett (29:16.0) to the title. 

Meanwhile, Ismael Kirui clocked 22:46:06 to win the men's Under-20 8km race ahead of Raphael Dabash (22:59:03) and Richard Etir (23:05:00). 

The junior women's 6km race was won by U-20 Grace Loibach in 19:12:06 ahead of Miriam Chemutai (19:29:02) and Joyline Chepkemoi (19:40:09). 

Women's 10km- Leading Results

Cynthia Chepngeno, KDF 33:48.8

Esther Borura, KDF 34:01.1

Immaculate Anyango, Iten 34:19.3

Teresa Cherotich, Lemotit 34:33.3

Angelina Nadai, Refugees Team 34:42.0

Judy Kemboi, Iten 35:20.5

Men's 10km- Leading Results 

Edwin Bett, Kericho 28:48.7

Reuben Longosiwa, W.Pokot 28:51.2

Isaac Bett, Mt. Elgon 29:03.9

Wesley Ledama, Narok 29:16.0

Kipsambu Kimakal, Torongo 29:29.6

Men's U- 20 8km 

Ismael Kirui, Torongo 22:46:06

Raphael Dabash, Njoro 22:59:03

Richard Etir 23:05:00

Clinton Kimutai, Keringet 23:09:04

Emmanuel Yegon, Silibowet 23:12:06

Stephen Muthiini, Ndumbi 23:13:05

Women's U-20 6km 

Grace Loibach, Iten 19:12:06

Miriam Chemutai, Lemotit 19:29:02

Joyline Chepkemoi, Lemotit 19:40:09

Miriam Chepkirui, Nakuru 19:46:09

Yvonne Chepchirchir, Mfae 19:51:01

Janet Chepkoech, Iten 19:57:06