Emmaculate Anyango and Weldon Lagat shine at the Discovery Kenya Cross Country race

The 32nd Discovery Kenya Cross Country edition held on 29th January at the Eldoret Sports Club lived up to its expectation of identifying and nurturing athletic talents in the region and beyond.

This year’s edition attracted over 2,000 participants with Emmaculate Anyango and Weldon Lagat triumphing in the senior men’s and senior ladies’ categories respectively. Onyango clocked 27:45:4 while Lagat ran in 30:31:2. Each of them returned home Kshs 25, 000 richer.

Bravin Kosgei took home silver as Rhonex Kipruto closed the podium in third slot in the senior men’s category. Catherine Relin finished second while Christine Njoki settled for third in the ladies’ category.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport after the race, 20-year old Emmaculate Anyango revealed that the win was not straightforward, and that she did not expect to triumph over her opponents.

Despite that, Anyango who was marking her return from maternity leave, said that she received support from her coach and husband, Reuben Longosiwa who was also competing in the men’s category.

“The race was hard with some challenges, but my husband and coach kept assuring me that I would emerge victorious. I was just hopeful. If you are hopeful and put God first you will be successful.”

Anyango is confident of scaling the heights of Hellen Obiri whom she looks up to, in the near future.

On his side Weldon Lagat,fresh from winning the Valencia Marathon in 26:55, said this particular race served as a preparation for the upcoming races, and he will put his best foot forward to ensure he wins them all.

“I train in Iten, and this race was a preparation for the upcoming race on 18th February. I hope to participate more in such races to sharpen my skills.”

He hopes to reclaim Kenya’s lost glory in the 10,000m World Championship, as well as the 10,000m Adidas Race in Germany.

Speaking on behalf of Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Chelilim, CEC in charge of Sports, IT, and Youth Affairs Engineer Lucy Njoroge praised the organization of the race, saying that it attracted lots of hidden young talents.

“We thank Athletics Kenya for organizing such an event, giving our young children the opportunity to express their talents. We know that registration was free, and the numbers recorded are very encouraging.”

In addition, she noted that this year’s edition broke the norm, as it saw different names claim the win. Such names included Emmaculate Onyango and Christine Njoki. The first-ever winner of the cross country races in Kenya was John Ngugi.

Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour launched in Eldoret

“We even heard of names like Anyango and Njoki. That means that we are growing, and we need to appreciate it and give each person an opportunity.”

2023 is a busy year for Kenyan athletes, with the Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour expected to go down at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, Eldoret next Sunday, 4th February.

Senior men (10km)

Discovery Kenya Collated Results

Senior men (10km)

1. Weldon Langat 30:31.1

2. Bravin Kiprop 30:38.1

3. Rhonex Kipruto 30:44.1

4. Reuben Longosiwa 30:54.5

5. Dennis Kitiyo 30:56.2

6. Cornelius Kemboi 30:59.3

Senior Women (8km)

1. Emmaculate Anyango 27:49.4

2. Catherine Relin 28:02.3

3. Christine Njoki 28:19.9

4. Roselinda Jepketer 28:24.5

5. Francine Niyonsaba (Burundi) 28:26.8

6. Gladys Chesir 28:35.5

Junior men (8km)

1. Kevin Kiprop 25:05.5

2. Amos Kiprotich 25:08.3

3. Gilbert Kiprotich 25:11.1

4. Kevin Kiplagat 25:14.7

5. Joel Loshakori 25:16.9

6. Evans Kipkosgei 25:25.7

Junior women (6km)

1. Maureen Jepkoech 21:19.0

2. Deborah Chemutai 21:27.1

3. Mirriam Chemutai 21:32.6

4. Yvonne Chepchirchir 21:44.7

5. Florence Chepkoech 21:50.1

6. Martha Jelimo 22:04.9