William Chebon en route to the Kenyan Armed Forces 12km cross country title (© Omulo Okoth)
Nairobi, Kenya A notsofamiliar soldier, William Chebon, convincingly beat top stars to win the men's race at the Armed Forces Cross Country Championships on Friday (19).
Chebon, 25, who is a private in the Kenyan Air Force beat war-hardened runners like John Cheruiyot Korir, John Kibowen and Patrick Ivuti in a thriller that was held at the Moi Air Base, Eastleigh, Nairobi. He won and was followed home by Korir and Kibowen.
Irene Kwambai fought hard to snatch the women’s 8km title from Sharon Jemutai as Penina Arusei finished the podium lot.
Men's race
Moses Rotich and Josaiya Matui sprinted to the front after the first lap as Kiprono Menjo, 1999 world runner-up Patrick Ivuti and Cheruiyot Korir followed.
After the second lap, it was very clear that Chebon was a serious contender, as he shot ahead with Korir, Menjo and 1998 and 2000 world 4km champion, John Kibowen, in hot pursuit.
By the fourth lap, it was clear the race was a foregone conclusion, as Chebon was increasing his lead. He was mobbed by his fans and team mates after winning and showing a strong indication that he is the guy to watch at the nationals and World Championship trials.
“I want to enter the Kenyan team for the World Cross Country Championships, so I still have a long way to go. Let’s see what happens at the Nationals and the Trials,” Chebon told reporters.
Women's race
After running together for a better part of the race, Kwambai engaged a fast gear with 800m to go to the finish. Jemutai was runner-up and Arusei was third.
The presence of veterans of the terrain, Sammy Kipketer, 1999 4km world champion Benjamin Limo, Joshua Chelanga, Wilberforce Talel, former two-time World 5000 champion Ishmael Kirui and marathoner Wilson Onsare, ensured the lustre of the event remained intact, although they all missed the top 10.
30km Road Races
Prior to the cross country event, men's and women's 30km road races were run which respectively were won by Simon Karanja and Magdalene Syombua. Karanja, 26, is a member of Greatest Race on Earth Kenya team, as is Syombua, 24.
Omulo Okoth for the IAAF
RESULTS:
NOTE: Questions have been raised about the distances actually run considering the exceptionally fast times originally announced by the organisers. An investigation is currently underway by the organising committee.
times tbc
MEN -
12km:
1. William Chebon
2. John Cheruiyot Korir
3. John Kibowen
4. Kiprono Menjo
5. Patrick Ivuti
6. Shadrack Rotich
7. Moses Rotich
8. Josaiya Matui
9. Robert Kipchumba
10. Mark Kiptoo
WOMEN -
8km:
1. Irene Kwambai
2. Sharon Jemutai
3. Peninah Arusei
4. Monica Otwori
5. Doris Changeywo
6. Wilfridah Kwamboka
7. Josephine Wanjiku
8. Naomi Mugo
9. Susan Muthoni
10. Inness Chenonge
30km Road Race:
MEN -
1. Simon Karanja
2. Daniel Kirwa
3. Daniel Muriuki
4. Michael Njoroge
5. John Tuwei
6. Joseph Mutisya
7. James Kuria
8. Paul Gaito
9. Ezekiel Rutto
10. Cheruiyot Langat
WOMEN -
1. Magdalene Syombua
2. Monica Njeru
3. Teresia Wanjiru
4. Fridah Lodeba
5. Jackline Mukiti
6. Linah Chirchir
7. Nelly Cheptoo
8. Grace Chematia
9. Branis Omena
10. Mary Muthoni
