Isaac Songok, Augustine Choge and Jonas Cherruiyot battle in the senior 4km race (© Omulo Okoth)
Littleknown athletes and established global stars competed at the fifth leg of the Athletics Kenya Cross Country circuit on Saturday (31 Dec 05). The event was held in this central Rift Valley Provincial venue, only a stone's throw away from World marathon record holder, Paul Tergat's countryside residence.
In a perfect end-of-year treat for athletics followers, the event, held under a nice warm Kenyan sun, and watched by a huge crowd which included former President Daniel Arap Moi, produced some sparkling performances.
Soi triumphs over Kipketer
The 12km senior men's race saw the emergence of newcomer Edwin Soi, who beat a few great athletes in the day's feature event. Soi, 19, is hardly known even within Kenya's borders but this lanky athlete from Kericho still managed to dash away in the last lap, out-kicking 2002 Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Sammy Kipketer to win the race in 33:59. Kipketer was second in 34:10, with Mike Kigen in third in 34:16, and Linus Chumba fourth in 34:24.
Another leading name, Abraham Cherono, dropped out after the pace became hot. Cherono had been in the leading pack which also included Kipketer, Linus Chumba and Enock Mitei. But midway during the race, Kipketer put in a burst and dashed to the front where he remained, controlling the race until the last lap when Soi unleashed his winning assault.
For Soi, it was sign on better things to come. "I am training hard in Kericho with my teammates and I hope to continue the struggle for glory and riches. Japan (2006 World XC Champs in Fukuoka) is my target," warned the eastern African junior champion.
But Kipketer was also quite content with his form, "I have just started and there is a lot of time ahead. Let's see what happens in the remaining legs and the nationals.”
Choge and Songok produced dazzling sprint finish
The most interesting race was the men's senior 4km race in which training partners Augustine Choge and Isaac Songok dominated proceedings. Choge, who is mainly training for the Commonwealth Games, had the last laugh, winning in 10:34, with Songok, second in 10:34. Both are coached by Bro. Colm O'Connell in the North Rift Valley's town of Iten.
The two dazzled the crowd and third placed Jonas Cheruiyot (10:35) with a marvellous sprint finish battle.
There seems to be no stopping Veronica Nyaruai, who easily won her 6km junior race in 17:42 ahead of Sheila Chepkurui (17:47). In all her training partners occupied the top six places.
Mercy Wanjiru Njoroge, also a training partner of Nyaruai's, won the senior women's 8km race in 26:06, as Doris Changeywo followed in 26:12, and Monica Wangare was third in 26:36.
Former World 10,000m champion Sally Barsosio finished second to Mercy Kosgei in the senior women's 4km race. Kosgei was timed in 12:18, while Barsosio clocked 12:29.
In the junior men's 8km race, Muinde Matheka won in 22:11 with
Vincent Kiprop second in the same time. Mangata Ndiwa, was third in 22:13.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
Leading results
Men
4km Senior
1. Augustine Choge 10:34
2. Isaac Songok 10:34
3. Jonas Cheruiyot 10:35
4. Paul Lagat 10:37
5. Robert Sigei 10:41
6. Joseph Kitur 10:46
12km Senior
1. Edwin Soi 33:59
2. Sammy Kipketer 34:10
3. Mike Kigen 34:16
4. Linus Chumba 34:24
5. George Kirwa 34:28
6. Enock Mitei 34:31
8km Junior
1. Muinde Matheka 22:11
2. Vincent Kiprop 22:11
3. Mangata Ndiwa 22:13
4. Lewis Nyariki 22:18
5. Gideon Ngatunyi 22:20
6. Yusuf Biwott 22:26
Women
4km Senior
1. Mercy Kosgei 12:18
2. Sally Barsosio 12:29
3. Naomi Kemboi 12:30
4. Nancy Wangoi 12:38
5. Gladys Kwambai 12:43
6. Jane Nyambura 12:46
8km Senior
1. Mercy Wanjiru Njoroge 26:06
2. Doris Changeywo 26:12
3. Monica Wangare 26:36
4. Florence Chepkosgei 26:48
5. Chepkoech Mitei 26:56
6. Irene Cherotich 27:07
6km Junior
1. Veronica Nyaruai 17:42
2. Sheila Chepkurui 17:47
3. Chepkurui Emmy 17:50
4. Beatrice Chepchumba 17:56
5.Veronica Njeri 17:57
6. Catherine Wanjiru 17:58
