Kipkurui, Kemboi shine in Central Rift Region Cross Country Championship

World Under 20 Cross Country Champion Ishmael Kipkirui and Naomi Kemboi carried the day in the Central Rift Region Cross Country Championship held on Saturday, 20 January at the Sinonin Secondary School in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.

Kipkirui, who won the U20 World Cross Country title in Bathurst, Australia last year effortlessly crossed the line in 31:02, seconds ahead of Gideon Ronoh who completed the challenging course in 31:11:8. Ronoh was closely followed by James Mateleng who completed the podium in 31:41:2.

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In the senior women category, Kemboi was in a class of her own, running in 35:35:1 to complete the tough course. She came in seconds ahead of Christine Kioko and Roselinda Jepketer who finished in 36:49:9 and 37:05:6 respectively.

The junior women category was even more competitive, but Marion Jepng'etich conquered the course in 20:59:5. The junior women ran only 6km. Inaugural Agnes Tirop Memorial Cross Country Run champion Joyline Jepkemoi came in second in 21:30:1 while Faith Jepchumba completed the podium in 21:40:0.

In the junior men's category, Titus Ng'etich carried the day after conquering the course in 24:54:5, less than a minute faster than Josphat Kipkurui who registered 25:26:6. Festus Kimorwo completed the best three in 25:34:0.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Barnaba Kitilit who doubled up as the event's chairman and vice chairman was glad that it attracted lots of competitors from the region and beyond.

"Over 150 athletes and 30 from each county like Baringo, Uasin Gishu and Nandi showed up," Kitilit offered.

According to the coach, the competition would be used to select athletes who will compete in the National Championships as well as the Sirikwa Classic World Continental Tour.

"The course was standard and quite challenging with enough natural obstacles," he concluded.

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8km Men

Titus Ngetich 24:54:5

Josphat Kipkurui 25:26:6

Festus Kimorwo 25:34:0

Matthew Kipkosgei 25:37:2

Evans Kipkorir 25:50:4

6km Junior Women

Marion Jepng'etich 20:59:5

Joyline Jepkemoi 21:30:1

Faith Jepchumba 21:40:0

Millicent Jepkonga 21:52:6

Judith Jepkoech 21:56:2

10km Senior Women

Naomi Kemboi 36:35:1

Christine Kioko 36:49:9

Roselinda Jepketer 37:05:6

Caren Jebet 37:43:1

Joy Kemuma 37:57:4

10km Senior Men

Ismael Kipkirui 31:02

Gideon Ronoh 31:11:8

James Mateleng 31:41:2

Patrick Kipkurui 31:48:9

Besnin Moshon 31:59:3