Mathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema are the champions of the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country run.
The two won the senior races and will walk away with Ksh 750,000 each, a huge upgrade from the 2024 prize money.
Kipkoech, who finished third in the race last year, crossed the line after 31 minutes and 49 seconds to emerge victorious ahead of Cornelius Kipkosgei (31:50) and Sammy Kisa (31:51) who finished second and third respectively.
Speaking after securing the win, Kipkoech who trains in Iten, under Asics management by coach Peter Bii said: “I went back to the drawing board with an aim of coming back and improving my performance.”
“I just put in more effort in training and remained focused. This win means a lot to me,” he added.
Vincent Kimaiyo (31:52) and Amos Kiprotich (31:53) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
In the senior women’s category, Ndiema who finished seventh in last year’s edition, but in the under 20 category beat a strong field to run away with the Ksh 750,000.
“The race was tough but I pushed myself and I’m happy to win this race. Last year, I was in the under-20 category and finished seventh. My transition from the ISF cross country to the senior category has been great,” she told journalists.
Brenda Jepchirchir was second with 36:08 while Faith Cherono finished third with a time of 36:39.
Christine Komen (36:39) and Sandrafelis Tuei Chebet (36:51) finished fourth and fifth.
Race director Barbara Korir said the event was the most successful one since its inception.
Over 8,5000 athletes registered to participate, 22 of who were from different nationalities.
This year’s race saw the prize money doubled for the the senior and U20 races.
Top 30 athletes in the two categories also had an allocation for cash prizes.
For the under 20 men and women’s race winners, they will also be part of the Kenyan team set to participate in the World Athletics Cross Country in Florida, United States of America.
