Chepng’eno eyeing World Cross Country title after tasting continental glory

2024 Africa Cross Country Championships gold medalist Cintia Chepng’eno has set lofty ambitions after her recent triumph that saw her lead Team Kenya to a 1-2 podium finish in the Tunisia challenge held on February 25 in Hammamet, Tunisia.

Chepng’eno who grabbed a gold medal in the senior women's race has now set her sights on the 45th edition of the World Cross Country Championships slated in Belgrade, Serbia.

The youngster clocked 32:31.04 ahead of 2010 Youth Olympic Games 2,000m champion Virginia Nyambura, who timed 32:33.45 as Ethiopian Azimeraw Degitu spoiled a Kenyan podium sweep in 33:03.85 finish for the bronze medal.

Kenyan Gladys Kwamboka was fourth after clocking 33:10.18.

Kenya will be going for global glory again at the end of March during the Serbia challenge.

“I am so happy to have attained my goals in Tunisia. This is just the beginning and I know by the grace of God I will achieve more this year. My focus now is to make cut to the Kenyan team for the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia,” she said.

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya (AK) Senior Vice Chairman Paul Mutwii could not contain his pride in the accomplishment of the team, noting that their hard work paid off well.

The gallant home boys and girls amassed a total of eight medals to top the standings and clinch the overall title with 4 golds, 3 silvers, and one bronze medal.

“I am proud of this team for what they have achieved in Tunisia. For sure they followed the instructions from the coaches for this accomplishment and we can only congratulate the athletes for hoisting our flag high once again,” Mutwii offered.

Cheptai shifts focus to marathon, hopes to register impressive record

At the same time, the team representing Kenya in the World Athletics Indoor Championships slated for March 1-3 in Glasgow, Scotland departed from the country on February 28.

Athletics Kenya has also scheduled trials for the World Cross Country Championships on Saturday 2 March at the Kenya Prisons Training College in Ruiru from 8 am.