ISF World Cross Country: Kenyan youngsters shine bright on home turf

There is a timeless saying that goes, ‘strike the iron while it’s still hot.’

The saying found its rightful dwelling during the International Sports Federation (ISF) World Cross Country Championships held on Sunday, 12 May at the Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi.

The event attracted 369 participants from 23 countries with the Kenyans carrying the day majority of the categories.

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Under 12 girls (1,200m)

Sheila Chepkosgei emerged victorious after outclassing the contingent in 3:53:2. She was closely followed by Belinda Chepkorir who crossed the finish line in 3:55:1 while Dorcas Chelangat wrapped up the best three in 3:57:1.

Under 12 boys (1,200m)

In this category, Ezron Kimurgor outpaced Ugandan Caleb Kibet to be crowned the winner. He crossed the line 3:43:5, three minutes ahead of Benjamin Shikuku who came in second in 3:46:7. Kibet completed the podium in 3:48:8.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport after the race, Kimurgor noted that the intense training prior to the match paid off. What further wowed him was the opportunity to run in the presence of H.E President William Ruto who was the chief guest.

"I had faith in my abilities because our coaches have trained us well in the lead up to this competition. We were told that Uganda were going to be our biggest threat and we had to be at our best. I am so happy to have won here today and this win encourages me to keep going in my athletics career," Kimurgor offered.

On his side, Shikuku noted that Kibet spoiled the Kenyan all-podium finish but they were impressed with the performance.

"The race was good. We had a plan to run as a team, we wanted a complete podium sweep but we couldn't do it because of stiff competition from the Ugandans,” he disclosed.

Ugandan Kibet was glad to compete with the Kenyans, noting that his aim was to run like Joshua Cheptegei.

“The race was good and I knew Kenyans were good and when we started, I wanted to be among those at the front. I am determined to make it in athletics like those who have done well in our country, like Joshua Cheptegei. I know they must be so happy to have seen me make it to the podium today and it has really inspired me to continue working hard," Kibet averred.

Under 15 girls (2,200m)

Jane Wangari led an all-podium finish in this category. She crossed the tape in 7:40:8. Faith Jeptum came in second in 7:42:1 while Claire Cherono sealed the podium in 7:43:2.

Wangari studies at Kiambogo Secondary School and is under the guidance of less-known athletics coach Peter Ndegwa.

The tactician led Ann Naenkop to win the 3000m steeplechase category during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One games in Machakos.

“The race was nice. In future, I want to be like Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon,” Wangari offered.

Jeptum who trains at the Sinonin camp in Baringo under coach Barnabas Kitiliki was glad that her efforts finally paid off. She also aims at competing like Kipyegon in the future.

“The race was good. I am happy for the win. The training was tough but I did my best,” the soft-spoken youngster averred.

On her side, Cheruto who hones her skills at the Lemotit Camp under the guidance of coach Paul Kemei noted that the third-place was a dream come true. Just like her competitors, she aims at switching from cross country to the track in the future.

“I was training hard. My body feels nice. I want to run like Kipyegon,” she said after the win.

Under 15 boys (3,400m)

In this category, Peter Lomurton outclassed a strong contingent to emerge victorious in 10:18:6. Benson Tipapa and Dan Kibet occupied second and third position in 10:22:5 and 10:33:5 respectively.

Lomurton was glad that he improved from second place during the national trials in Nakuru to emerge victorious. He trains at the Sinonin Camp under coach Kitiliki.

Narok-based Tipapa aims to follow in the footsteps of 800m king David Rudisha.

“I prayed to God to help me win and today was the day. I am happy with my performance,” he offered.

“Emerging second has really inspired me and I’m so happy to have made it to the podium. At the trials I was a winner. I want to focus on my training to make sure I do well in future. I am inspired by Eliud Kipchoge,” he offered.

Kibet who comes from Bungoma County was proud of himself for bettering his performance from the national trials in Bungoma. He is coached by Maxwell Oyoo and trains in Mt. Elgon.

“Representing Kenya in such a magnitude event has given me reasons to do better and soar higher in my events,” he said.

Under 18 girls (3,400m)

Diana Chepkemoi emerged the winner in this category after running in 10:47:8. The 17-year-old who trains at the Lemotit Camp under coach Kemei was coming off a second place in the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour.

She unfortunately missed a visa to travel for the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia and was looking to roar to success.

“God gave me strength and I emerged the winner. I am happy for this win today,” she said.

Chepkwemoi was excited that the race exposed her to high intensity, noting that she aimed to perform better.

Under 18 boys (5,100m)

In this category, Phanuel Kipkosgei completed the demanding course in 14:39:8, six minutes ahead of Kevin Kiprop who came in second in 14:43:6. Nelson Simiren completed the podium in 14:53:4.

Collated results

Under 18 girls (3,400m)

Diana Chepkemoi 10:47:8

Mary Nyaboke 10:51:4

Dorcas Chepkwemoi 10:53:4

Under 18 boys (5,100m)

Phanuel Kipkosgei 14:39:8

Kevin Kiprop 14:43:6

Nelson Simiren 14:53:4

Under 12 girls (1,200m)

Sheila Chepkosgei 3:53:2

Belinda Chepkorir 3:55:1

Dorcas Chelangat 3:57:1

Under 12 boys (1,200m)

Ezron Kimurgor 3:43:5

Benjamin Shikuku 3:46:7

Caleb Kibet 3:48:8

Under 15 girls (2,200m)

Jane Wangari 7:40:8

Faith Jeptum 7:42:1

Claire Cherono 7:43:2

Under 15 boys (3,400m)

Peter Lomurton 10:18:6

Benson Tipapa 10:22:5

Dan Kibet 10:33:5

Under 18 girls (3,400m)

Diana Chepkemoi 10:47:8

Mary Nyaboke 10:51:4

Dorcas Chepkwemoi 10:53:4

Under 18 boys (5,100m)

Phanuel Kipkosgei 14:39:8

Kevin Kiprop 14:43:6

Nelson Simiren 14:53:4