By Athletics Kenya
African Under-18 3,000m champion Cynthia Chepkirui has her sights firmly set on global gold at the World Cross Country Championships slated for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida.
Chepkirui was in imperious form during Saturday’s National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club, a contest that doubled up as the final team trials for the Florida showdown.
The 17-year-old produced a commanding run, clocking 20:38 to clinch the girls’ 6km crown ahead of Mirriam Kibet (20:49) and Lonah Cherono (21:00).
What are Cynthia Chepkirui’s plans?
With the national title now safely in her cabinet, Chepkirui’s focus has shifted to the world stage.
“Now my focus is to get back to camp and sharpen my speed so that when I go to Florida, I make sure I come back with a gold medal,” Chepkirui said after her race.
It was sweet redemption for the youngster, who finished third in the previous edition of the national showpiece held in February in the same course where she clocked 21:21 for third place behind Lornah Cherono (21:11) and Joyline Chepkemoi (21:15).
“In the previous national championships, I finished third, but I told myself I would push harder this time. My determination and consistency have paid off,” she said.
Chepkirui also paid tribute to her coach, Paul Kemei, crediting his mentorship for her rise.
“I want to thank my coach for training me and guiding me to this national victory,” she said.
Mirriam Kibet targets at World Cross Country Championships
Kibet, meanwhile, is optimistic of a podium finish.
“My target for the world championships is to push myself and ensure I finish within the medal bracket,” she said.
The youngster added that cross country forms a key part of her endurance build-up for her main track event, the 1,500m.
“On the track I run the 1,500m, so cross country helps me build my endurance and strength,” she explained.
Cherono, who settled for third at the nationals, is equally bullish ahead of the world championships.
“I thank God for helping me finish on the podium. The race was good, and I am hopeful about going to Florida. My main target in the US is to finish top,” she said.
The trio will be joined by Mercy Mageso, Caren Chepng’eno and Mercy Jelimo, who finished within the top six qualifying slots for the global show on Saturday.
Who won the national U-20 boys’ race in Eldoret?
In the boys’ U-20 8km race, Emmanuel Kipkorir produced a storming finish, clocking 24:22 to edge out Frankline Kibet (24:25) and Andrew Alamisi (24:29).
“The race was good. After the first few laps, I felt strong, so I decided to push for the win,” Kipkorir said.
He also expressed pride in earning the chance to don the Kenyan colours on the global stage.
“It feels great to represent Kenya at a world championship, and I hope to bring back good results,” he said with conviction.
Kipkorir will be joined by Edwin Elkana, Kevin Biwott, as well as Andrew Kiprop, who finished within the top six.
