Faith Kipyegon makes impressive Cross Country comeback

Two-time world 1500m champion Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon made a historic Cross Country comeback, claiming her first senior win at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country title in Eldoret by crossing the finish line in 33:50.

Charles Lokir, who was recently crowned National Cross Country champion, claimed the men's title in a race that saw top athletes in the country come together.

Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic 1500m gold medalist, took on two man-made hills, a hay heap, and a steeplechase barrier at the Lobo Village to claim the title.

Athletes also battled strong winds and dust in the second edition of the World Cross Tour. The first edition was known as the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Tour.

Kipyegon, a former World Junior Cross Country champion, outpaced Commonwealth 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Jepkoech in the second lap and established a comfortable lead that ensured her victory.

She finished in 33:50, two minutes ahead of Jepkoech, who finished in 34:52, and Zeno Yego, who finished third in 35:08.

The last time Faith Kipyegon run in the 10km was in 2017 in Kampala, and she was under pressure from her fans to perform. According to the stargirl, this was her first major win in 2023.

"I had some fears at first because I had not run 10km in cross country since 2017 in Kampala. Many of my fans were expecting a good performance and I was lucky to win. I can say, it is my first major win this year and also my first in 10km."

In addition, Kipyegon said that the win served as a morale booster for upcoming races such as the World Championships, and would also build endurance.

"This means a lot in my career. It has given me hope that it could be possible to even run a marathon in future. For upcoming races such as the World Championships, the cross country tour is a boost to my endurance," Kipyegon said.

Iten-based Lokir crossed the finish line first in 30:14, seeing off second-placed Josphat Kiprotich (30:19) and third-placed Dennis Kipngetich who timed 30:21.

Senior men and women Collated Results

Leading results

Men's 10km senior race

Charles Lokir 30:14

Josphat Kiprotich 30:19

Dennis Kipongetich 30:21

Kelvin Kibiwott 30:29

Geoffrey Koech 30:34

Shadrack Kipchirchir 30:37

Women's 10km senior race

Faith Kipyegon 33:50

Jackline Jepkoech 34:52

Zenah Jemutai 35:08

Roselida Jepketer 35:13

Jackline Chepkoech 35:16

Gladys Chesir 35:17

U18 Category (5KMS)

Yvonne Chepchirchir threw in an impressive finish to clock 19:06 and finished first in the Women U18 category while Amos Kiprotich clocked in 18:43 to shine in the men's U18 category.

Chepchirchir defeated Faith Chepchumba and Miriam Chemutai who threw 19:11 and 19:38 respectively while Kiprotich defeated Andrew Akori and Kipruto Chebet who clocked 18:44 and 18:52 in that order.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the race, Chepchirchir was excited that she finally managed a win, having finished fourth at the National Cross Country Championships held in Ruiru on January 23.

"I am happy because last time I was in the trials for World Cross Country and I did not manage a win. I finished nine and position four nationally."

The 16-year old who hopes to imitate and even go past the World Record Marathon holder Brigid Kosgei trains in Nyahururu, at an altitude of 2667m-high.

"I want to be an international star like Brigid Kosgei. I look up to her."

On the men's side Kiprotich who took second position in the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships was pleased with the win, saying his dream was to compete in the Africa Junior Championships that will take place in Tunis from 1-4 September this year. He also credited his Impressive performance to training in Nakuru, Keringet.

"The race was tough and I am thankful I won. I am now preparing for the African Junior championships. I train in Keringet, Nakuru" Kipruto said.

Leading results

Under-18 women

Yvone Chepchirch 19:06

Faith Chepchumba 19:11

Miriam Chemutai 19:38

Christine kioko 19:42

Dorcas Chepkemoi 19:54

Philiphia Chepkirui 20:07

Under 18 men

Amos Kiprotich 18:43

Andrew Akori 18:44

Kipruto Chebet 18:52

Ronald Kipkoech 18:58

James Karuri 19:10

Shadrack Kemboi 19:12

U18 Category (8KMS)

National Cross Country Champion Samuel Kibathi won the men's Under-20 8km race, establishing an easy lead in the final lap, easily edging his rivals Kelvin Kiprop and Gedion Kipngetich.

He crossed the finish line in 24:20, with Kelvin Kiprop and Gideon Kipngetich timing 24:40 and 24:45 respectively.

Lucy Nduta won the race in the women Under-20 category in 21:13 while Maureen Jepkoech and Deborah Jemutai clocked 21:14 and 21:41 to finish second and third respectively.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport after winning the race, the Nduta who is trains in Nyahururu revealed that the training in preparation for this world class event was marvellous, and it hugely contributed to her success. She has been preparing for this win for four years, in the process claiming 7th position at the National competition.

She also stated that she will now get ready for the Africa Junior Championships that will take place in Tunis from 22 from 1 to 4 September 2023. The Junior Championships were initially scheduled for Alexandria, Egypt, but were moved to Tunis after a site visit by the African Athletics Confederation. Tunisia hosted the African Combined Events Championships last May and the 2002 African Championships.

"I embarked on a tough training after winning the National Cross Country Championships. I am now ready to prepare for the Africa Junior Championships," Kibathi said.

Lucy Nduta took the women's tightly contested Under-20 crown (21:13), closely followed by Maureen Jepkoech in the 8km race.

"I had prepared very well for the race. I would run faster but we ran against strong winds. This course is not as tough as last year's," Nduta said.

Nduta took the lead in the third lap, winning 20 seconds ahead of her opponent. She also blamed the delay in finishing on the windy environment, but is hopeful to train harder and register better results in future.

"I was well prepared despite the strong winds, but I hope to to better my performance in future."

The Nyahururu-based athlete came in second in the first edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour that was dubbed Agnes Tirop Memorial following the death of 10,000m one-time bronze medallist who was found dead in her home in Iten on 13 October 2021.

Under-20 Collated Results

Men's Under-20 leading results

Samuel Kibathi 24:20

Kelvin Kiprop 24:40

Gideon Kiprop 24:45

Kibet Ndiwa 24:56

Gideon Kiprop 25:06

Vincent Kimaiyo 25:10

Women's Under-20 leading results

Lucy Nduta 21:13

Maureen Jepkoech 21:14

Deborah Jemutai 21:41

Martha Chelimo 21:50

Diana Chepkemoi 21:53

Loice Chekwemoi 21:57