T. NashipaeJebitok and Kipkorir triumph in inaugural Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 02.12.23. | 22:12
The inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country Championships was held at Chepkemeli in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday 2 December
Former Africa 1500m silver medallist Edna Jebitok and Ishmael Kipkorir emerged victorious in the inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country Run staged at ACK Chepsaita Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.
The senior races were curtain raised with junior races in 500m, 1km, and 2km for both boys and girls.
Jebitok defied the tough course to cross the finish line in 26:16:7 while Kipkorir cut the tape in 23.16.2 to light up the hundreds of fans.
Speaking after the win, Jebitok noted that she was enjoying home advantage, in addition to familiarity with the course.
Jebitok finished six seconds ahead of Cynthia Chepngeno who came in second by clocking 26.21.0, while Janeth Chepngetich completed the podium after timing 26.58.0.
“This is my training ground but now am used to the weather but the race was very competitive , though the course was hard , am happy I emerged the winner," Jebitok told Mozzart Sport.
Just like the rest of the runners, Jebitok pointed out that she was using this competition as a springboard ahead of the 2024 Cross Country championships slated for Belgrade.
“Am preparing for next year cross country to get a cut to the team, this is part of my preparation for next year athletic season," the breathless Jebitok said.
In the men's category, Kipkorir outclassed a strong field to emerge top ahead of Edwin Bett who braced the tape timing 23.21.4 with Fredrick Domangole clocking 23.24.0 settle for third place.
For Kipkorir, what made the race even tougher was the hilly course. He said that there was no flat area on the course.
“The course was tough and very competitive, since there were no flat areas on the course though I won the race," Kipkorir offered.
In junior category women Pamela Kosgei won the the race after running in 16.09.0, while Diana Chepkemoi came second clocking 16.13.4. Mercy Jepkemoi timed 16.14.6 to finish third.
The junior men category was even more competitive, with Charles Rotich clocking 18.55.5 to win while Mathew Kipkoech was placed second after timing 19.08.3. Simon Maiywa completed the podium 19.11.3.
The event was graced by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Sports Ababu Namwamba, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei, AK Executive Director Barnabas Korir, and Member of Parliament for Tinderet Julius Melli.
Senior Women
Edna Jebitok - 26:16:7
Cynthia Chepngeno - 26:21:0
Janeth Chepngetich - 26:58:0
Junior Men
Charles Rotich - 18:55:5
Matthew Kipkoech - 19:08:3
Simon Maiywa - 19:11:3
Junior women
Pamela Kosgei - 16:09:0
Diana Chepkemoi - 16:13:4
Mercy Jepkemoi - 16:14:6
Senior Men
Ishmael Kipkurui - 23:16:2
Edwin Bett - 23:21:4
Fredrick Domangole 23:24:0
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