Catherine Ndereba dashes to victory at the Kenyan Prisons Cross Country Championships (© Omulo Okoth)
Ruiru, KenyaFourtime Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba showed a tenacity hardly seen locally when she shook off from strong opposition to win the women’s 8km race during the Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships on Saturday (20).
The former world Marathon record holder timed 27:36.1 to win the star-studded race.
Former New York City Marathon runner-up Susan Chepkemei and Singapore Marathon champion, Salina Kosgei, failed to keep pace with the leaders, finishing outside the top three positions.
Chepkemei finished fifth in 29:00.1 while Kosgei was 12th in 30:01.8. Former African 5000m silver medalist Catherine Kirui faded to the 11th position in 30:01.3.
Upcoming Jane Mwikali shocked the crowd to take second place after giving Ndereba a real scare.
She was timed at 27:53.5 with Martha Komu third in 28:06.8. Margaret Wangari completed the top four positions in 28:25.6.
Ndereba, Mwikali and Komu took to the front after two laps never to back again. They upped the tempo as the race progressed before shaking off Komu in the final lap.
Ndereba and Mwikali ran together for the better part of the last race before Ndereba sprinted to victory in the final 300m.
Ndereba said she was all set for the national championships in Mombasa next month.
“I am not sure of making the national team since I know the competition will be tight. But I will accept any result that comes my way,” she said. She said only her experience helped her win the race.
She said she has no plan for a spring Marathon and was entirely focused on the Yokohama Ekiden next month, where she will lead the Kenya team.
Jonathan Komen won the men’s race in 36:02.2 ahead of Patrick Langat, who was timed at 36:27.2. Peter Kosgei was third in 36:31.2 with Luke Kibet (36:34.5) fourth.
Omulo Okoth for the IAAF
RESULTS
Women’s 8km -
1. Catherine Ndereba 27:36.1
2. Jane Mwikali 27:53.5
3. Martha Komu 28:06.8
4. Margaret Wangari 28:25.6
5. Susan Chepkemei 29:00.1
6. Jane Murage 29:13.0
7. Grace Misati 29:27.8
8. Dorothy Karimi 29:39.7
9. Ruth Kutol 29:42.3
10. Jackline Musiawa 29:58.0
Men’s 12km -
1. Jonathan Komen 36:02.4
2. Patrick Langat 36:27.2
3. Peter Kosgei 36:31.2
4. Luke Kibet 36:34.5
5. Henry Maiyo 36:50.4
6. Mwanzia Musau 37:06.8
7. John Kipchumba 37:06.8
8. Clephas Rop 37:12.2
9. Kenneth Mburu 37:23.0
10. James Masese 37:25.1
