The experience was pivotal as Daniel Ebenyo, Immaculate Anyango, Mathew Kipkoech and Mercy Chepkemoi emerged victorious at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country in Kapseret, on the outskirts of Eldoret Town, Saturday.
The four obliterated big lineups to emerge victorious in their respective categories at the event held at Lobbo Village in Kapseret Sub-County.
Ebenyo cut the tape first to win the senior men’s 10km race in 29.16 minutes, Ishmael Kipkirui came second in 29.18 while Weldon Lang’at was third in 29.26.
The women’s 10km Senior race saw Anyango lead from gun to tape to come home first in 32.55, Joyceline Jepkosgei second in 33.10 and Catherine Reline third in 33.18.
Chepkemoi beat a huge field of budding women athletes to win the Under 20 (Junior Women) 6km race in 20.07, Diana Chepkemoi closely second in 20.10 and Sheila Jebet in 20.12. This was a tough competition.
Mathew Kipkoech stopped the timer in 23.32 to win the men’s Under 20 (Junior men) 8km. Samuel Wanjiru (23.37) and Charles Rotich (23.40) filled the top three spots.
Team Kenya selection for 2024 African Cross Country Championships
Athletics Kenya President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said the event was used to select the Kenyan team for the 2024 African Cross Country Championships set for the end of February.
Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii, in a note delivered by his Minister for Sports, Eng Lucy Ng’endo, said his government has put strategies and policies to monetize talent. Governor’s Cup Tourneys are also part of the plan.
Dr Bii also said his government will work with organizers to bring more athletics events to Uasin Gishu as the region boasts a huge fanfare for running. The corporate sponsors will also get great publicity when fans attend events in thousands, he said.
In a speech read on his behalf by his counterpart for Cooperatives Simon Chelugui, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said the Ministry is keen to end doping and foster the promotion of talent monetization.
County Executive for Roads, Eng Joseph Lagat, County Directors Musa Mutai (Protocol), Sila Terikin (Governor’s Communication), Deputy Director of Sports, Nicholas Busienei, and Assistant Director, Viola Korir were among senior county officers who also attended the event.
